Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy Arkansas [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy Louisiana [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy Mississippi [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy Texas [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.

System Energy [Member]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries.  As required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, all intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Entergy’s Registrant Subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy) also include their separate financial statements in this Form 10-K.  The Registrant Subsidiaries and many other Entergy subsidiaries also maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the preparation of Entergy Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the separate financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, respectively.  Entergy Louisiana also distributes natural gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and natural gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, including Algiers. Prior to October 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana was the electric power supplier for Algiers. The Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment derives almost all of its revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by subsidiaries in that segment.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and natural gas sales when power or gas is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, Entergy’s Utility operating companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings.  The Utility operating companies calculate the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ various jurisdictions.  Changes are made to the inputs in the estimate as needed to reflect changes in billing practices.  Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and unbilled accounts receivable, and the prior month’s estimate is reversed.  Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are reversed and new estimates recorded.

Entergy records revenue from sales under rates implemented subject to refund less estimated amounts accrued for probable refunds when Entergy believes it is probable that revenues will be refunded to customers based upon the status of the rate proceeding as of the date the financial statements are prepared.

Entergy’s Utility operating companies’ rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers.  Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. System Energy’s operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf.  The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy’s common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy’s effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Accounting for MISO transactions

In December 2013, Entergy joined MISO, a regional transmission organization that maintains functional control over the combined transmission systems of its members and manages one of the largest energy markets in the U.S. In the MISO market, Entergy offers its generation and bids its load into the market on an hourly basis. MISO settles these hourly offers and bids based on locational marginal prices, which is pricing for energy at a given location based on a market clearing price that takes into account physical limitations on the transmission system, generation, and demand throughout the MISO region. MISO evaluates the market participants’ energy offers and demand bids to economically and reliably dispatch the entire MISO system. Entergy nets purchases and sales within the MISO market on an hourly basis and reports in operating revenues when in a net selling position and in operating expenses when in a net purchasing position.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the applicable estimated service lives of the various classes of property.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses.  Substantially all of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back.  For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment for Entergy (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$8,672		$6,606		$2,066		$—
Other	3,176		3,127		49		—
Transmission	4,431		4,408		23		—
Distribution	7,207		7,207		—		—
Other	1,536		1,422		111		3
Construction work in progress	1,457		1,327		130		—
Nuclear fuel	1,345		857		489		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$27,824		$24,954		$2,868		$3

2014	Entergy		Utility		Entergy Wholesale Commodities		Parent & Other
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$9,639		$6,586		$3,053		$—
Other	3,425		3,067		358		—
Transmission	4,197		4,164		33		—
Distribution	6,973		6,973		—		—
Other	1,521		1,373		145		3
Construction work in progress	1,426		969		456		1
Nuclear fuel	1,542		840		702		—
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$28,723		$23,972		$4,747		$4

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for Entergy approximated 2.9% in 2015, 2.8% in 2014, and 2.6% in 2013.  Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable Utility property of 2.7% in 2015, 2.5% in 2014, and 2.5%2013, and the depreciation rates on average depreciable Entergy Wholesale Commodities property of 5.4% in 2015, 5.5% in 2014, and 4.1% in 2013. The increase in 2014 for Entergy Wholesale Commodities resulted from implementation of a new depreciation study.

Entergy amortizes nuclear fuel using a units-of-production method.  Nuclear fuel amortization is included in fuel expense in the income statements.

“Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)” for Entergy is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $163.8 million and $185.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Construction expenditures included in accounts payable is $234 million and $209 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net property, plant, and equipment for the Registrant Subsidiaries (including property under capital lease and associated accumulated amortization) by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, is shown below:

2015	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,192		$3,611		$—		$—			$—		$1,803
Other	597		1,551		529		(13		)	463		—
Transmission	1,223		1,693		658		65			723		46
Distribution	1,997		2,488		1,166		400			1,156		—
Other	179		483		199		184			104		17
Construction work in progress	388		421		114		29			211		93
Nuclear fuel	286		387		—		—			—		184
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,862		$10,634		$2,666		$665			$2,657		$2,143

2014	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Millions)
Production
Nuclear		$1,097		$3,554		$—		$—			$—		$1,935
Other	593		1,561		526		(11		)	399		—
Transmission	1,166		1,570		642		54			695		48
Distribution	1,928		2,447		1,125		407			1,116		—
Other	164		460		194		182			98		17
Construction work in progress	284		369		68		19			125		50
Nuclear fuel	294		295		—		—			—		251
Property, plant, and equipment - net		$5,526		$10,256		$2,555		$651			$2,433		$2,301

Depreciation rates on average depreciable property for the Registrant Subsidiaries are shown below:

	Entergy Arkansas	Entergy Louisiana	Entergy Mississippi	Entergy New Orleans	Entergy Texas	System Energy
2015	2.6%	2.3%	3.2%	3.0%	2.6%	2.8%
2014	2.4%	2.2%	2.6%	3.2%	2.5%	3.0%
2013	2.5%	2.2%	2.6%	3.3%	2.5%	2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Louisiana is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $150.1 million and $154.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Mississippi is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Texas is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $43 million for Entergy Arkansas, $68.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.4 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.5 million for Entergy New Orleans, $33.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.8 million for System Energy.  As of December 31, 2014, construction expenditures included in accounts payable are $37.3 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.4 million for Entergy Louisiana, $7.8 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.9 million for Entergy New Orleans, $24.1 million for Entergy Texas, and $7.7 million for System Energy.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with affiliates or third parties. All parties are required to provide their own financing.  The investments, fuel expenses, and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests.  As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries’ investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:

Generating Stations		Fuel-Type	Total Megawatt Capability (a)	Ownership			Investment		Accumulated Depreciation
							(In Millions)
Utility business:
Entergy Arkansas -
Independence	Unit 1	Coal	839	31.50	%			$134		$100
	Common Facilities	Coal		15.75	%			$33		$26
White Bluff	Units 1 and 2	Coal	1,637	57.00	%			$520		$361
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	489	66.67	%			$170		$147
Entergy Louisiana -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	40.25	%			$274		$185
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		17.26	%			$11		$5
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	24.15	%			$151		$109
Ouachita (b)	Common Facilities	Gas	243	33.33	%			$87		$74
Acadia	Common Facilities	Gas	551	50.00	%			$19		$—
Entergy Mississippi -
Independence	Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities	Coal	1,681	25.00	%			$258		$152
Entergy Texas -
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	29.75	%			$197		$114
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		12.75	%			$6		$2
Big Cajun 2	Unit 3	Coal	594	17.85	%			$113		$73
System Energy -
Grand Gulf	Unit 1	Nuclear	1,409	90.00	%	(c)		$4,829		$2,962
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Independence	Unit 2	Coal	842	14.37	%			$71		$47
Independence	Common   Facilities	Coal		7.18	%			$16		$11
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6	Coal	537	10.90	%			$111		$58
Roy S. Nelson	Unit 6 Common Facilities	Coal		4.67	%			$2		$1

(a) “Total Megawatt Capability” is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(b) Ouachita Units 1 and 2 are owned 100% by Entergy Arkansas and Ouachita Unit 3 is owned 100% by Entergy Louisiana.  The investment and accumulated depreciation numbers above are only for the common facilities and not for the generating units.

(c) Includes a leasehold interest held by System Energy.  System Energy’s Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Nuclear refueling outage costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the estimated period to the next outage because these refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings and is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in the rates charged to customers.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return.  Each tax-paying entity records income taxes as if it were a separate taxpayer and consolidating adjustments are allocated to the tax filing entities in accordance with Entergy’s intercompany income tax allocation agreement.  Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain losses and credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Effective December 31, 2015, Entergy prospectively adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes. Beginning with the December 31, 2015 balances, all deferred taxes will be classified as non-current. Periods prior to December 31, 2015 were not retrospectively adjusted.

The benefits of investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the average useful life of the related property, as a reduction of income tax expense, for such credits associated with regulated operations in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculation included on the consolidated statements of operations:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015						2014					2013
	(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
				$/share					$/share					$/share
Net income (loss) attributable to Entergy Corporation		($176.6	)					$940.7					$711.9
Basic earnings (loss) per average common share	179.2				($0.99	)	179.5			$5.24		178.2			$3.99
Average dilutive effect of:
Stock options	—			—			0.3		(0.01		)	0.1		—
Other equity plans	—			—			0.5		(0.01		)	0.3		—
Diluted earnings (loss) per average common shares	179.2				($0.99	)	180.3			$5.22		178.6			$3.99

The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excluded 7,399,820 options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 5,743,013 options outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 8,866,542 options outstanding at December 31, 2013.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options, restricted stock, performance units, and restricted stock unit awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under its Equity Ownership Plans, which are shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plans.  These plans are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements.  The cost of the stock-based compensation is charged to income over the vesting period.  Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over 3 years.

Accounting for the Effects of Regulation

Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy are rate-regulated enterprises whose rates meet three criteria specified in accounting standards.  The Utility operating companies and System Energy have rates that (i) are approved by a body (its regulator) empowered to set rates that bind customers; (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers.  These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility’s business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers.  Because the Utility operating companies and System Energy meet these criteria, each of them capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue.  Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements.  When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity’s balance sheet.

An enterprise that ceases to meet the three criteria for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements.  In general, the enterprise no longer meeting the criteria should eliminate from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable operations.  Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

Entergy Louisiana does not apply regulatory accounting standards to the Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, and its steam business, unless specific cost recovery is provided for in tariff rates.  The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 15%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order.  The plan allows Entergy Louisiana to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between customers and shareholders.

Regulatory Asset for Income Taxes

Accounting standards for income taxes provide that a regulatory asset or liability be recorded if it is probable that the currently determinable future increase or decrease in regulatory income tax expense will be recovered from or reimbursed to customers through future rates. The primary source of Entergy’s regulatory asset for income taxes is related to the ratemaking treatment of the tax effects of book depreciation for the equity component of AFUDC that has been capitalized to property, plant, and equipment but for which there is no corresponding tax basis. Equity-AFUDC is a component of property, plant, and equipment that is included in rate base when the plant is placed in service.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of losses on the accounts receivable balances.  The allowance is based on accounts receivable agings, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.  Utility operating company customer accounts receivable are written off consistent with approved regulatory requirements.

Investments

Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value.  Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries record an offsetting amount in other regulatory liabilities/assets for the unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities.  For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized gains/(losses).  Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment.  Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available for sale.  Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings.  The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs.  Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss).  The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time.  Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments.  See Note 17 to the financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investments

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy’s ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations.  Entergy records its share of the investee’s comprehensive earnings and losses in income and as an increase or decrease to the investment account. Any cash distributions are charged against the investment account. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount for an investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support.  See Note 14 to the financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy’s equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

The accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivatives be recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, unless they meet various exceptions including the normal purchase/normal sale criteria.  The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction. Due to regulatory treatment, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability is recorded for changes in fair value of recognized derivatives for the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Contracts for commodities that will be physically delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria and are not recognized on the balance sheet.  Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged.  Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the periods when the underlying transactions actually occur.  The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in current-period earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Entergy has determined that contracts to purchase uranium do not meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting standards for derivative instruments because they do not provide for net settlement and the uranium markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.  If the uranium markets do become sufficiently liquid in the future and Entergy begins to account for uranium purchase contracts as derivative instruments, the fair value of these contracts would be accounted for consistent with Entergy’s other derivative instruments.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling.  Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value.  Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange.  Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income.  Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 16 to the financial statements for further discussion of fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain.  Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets.  Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy and capacity over the remaining life of the assets.

Two nuclear power plants in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment (Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3) have an application pending for renewed NRC licenses.  Various parties have expressed opposition to renewal of the licenses.  Under federal law, nuclear power plants may continue to operate beyond their original license expiration dates while their timely filed renewal applications are pending NRC approval.  Indian Point 2 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on September 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3 reached the expiration date of its original NRC operating license on December 12, 2015. Upon expiration of their operating licenses, each plant entered into a period of extended operation under the timely renewal rule. If the NRC does not renew the operating license for either of these plants, the plant’s operating life could be shortened, reducing its projected net cash flows and potentially impairing its value as an asset.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close FitzPatrick at the end of its current fuel cycle, which is planned for January 27, 2017, because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. This decision came after management’s extensive analysis of whether it was advisable economically to refuel the plant, as scheduled, in the fall of 2016. Entergy also had discussions with the State of New York regarding the future of FitzPatrick. Because of the uncertainty regarding the refueling decision and its implications to the plant’s expected operating life, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Entergy determined in October 2015 that it will close Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019 because of poor market conditions that have led to reduced revenues, a poor market design that fails to properly compensate nuclear generators for the benefits they provide, and increased operational costs. The decision came after management’s extensive analysis of the economics and operating life of the plant following the NRC’s decision in September 2015 to place the plant in Column 4 of the Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix. Because of the uncertainty regarding the plant’s operating life created by the NRC’s decision and management’s analysis of the plant, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

Due to the announced plant closures in October 2015, as well as the continued challenging market price trend, the high level of investment required to continue to operate the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plants, and the inadequate compensation provided to nuclear generators for their capacity benefits under the current market design, Entergy tested the recoverability of the plant and related assets of the two remaining operating nuclear power generating facilities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, Palisades and Indian Point, in the fourth quarter 2015. For purposes of that evaluation, Entergy considered a number of factors associated with the facilities’ continued operation, including the status of the associated NRC licenses, the status of state regulatory issues, existing power purchase agreements, and the supply region in which the nuclear facilities sell energy and capacity.

Under generally accepted accounting principles the determination of an asset’s recoverability is based on the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the plant and related assets. Projected net cash flows primarily depend on the status of the operations of the plant and pending legal and state regulatory matters, as well as projections of future revenues and costs over the estimated remaining life of the plant.

The tests for FitzPatrick and Pilgrim indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying values of the plants and related assets as of September 30, 2015.

The test for Palisades indicated the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015.

The test for Indian Point indicated that the probability-weighted undiscounted net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the plant and related assets as of December 31, 2015. As such, the carrying value of Indian Point was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of Indian Point, including nuclear fuel, is $2,360 million.

As a result of the impairment analyses, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $1,642 million ($1,062 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2015 to write down the carrying values of the FitzPatrick and Pilgrim plants and related assets to their fair values. In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax) to write down the carrying value of the Palisades plant and related assets to their fair values, as well as additional charges related to the plant closure decisions at FitzPatrick and Pilgrim. Entergy performed fair value analyses based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment.

The estimated fair value of the FitzPatrick plant and related long-lived assets is $29 million, while the carrying value was $742 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $713 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by $48 million. In addition, FitzPatrick has a contract asset recorded for an agreement between Entergy subsidiaries and NYPA entered when Entergy subsidiaries purchased FitzPatrick from NYPA in 2000 and NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liabilities. NYPA has the right to require the Entergy subsidiaries to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liabilities are retained by NYPA, the Entergy subsidiaries will perform the decommissioning of the plant at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. The contract asset represents an estimate of the present value of the difference between the Entergy subsidiaries’ stipulated contract amount for decommissioning the plants less the decommissioning costs estimated in independent decommissioning cost studies. See Note 9 for further discussion of the contract asset. Due to a change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, the result was a write down of the contract asset from $335 million to $131 million, for a charge of $204 million. In summary, the impairment and related charges for FitzPatrick total $965 million ($624 million net-of-tax).

The estimated fair value of the Pilgrim plant and related long-lived assets is $65 million, while the carrying value was $718 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $653 million. Materials and supplies were evaluated and written down by$24 million. In summary, the total impairment loss and related charges for Pilgrim is $677 million ($438 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $718 million includes the effect of a $134 million increase in Pilgrim’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows.

The estimated fair value of the Palisades plant and related long-lived assets is $463 million, while the carrying value was $859 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $396 million ($256 million net-of-tax). The pre-impairment carrying value of $859 million includes the effect of a $42 million increase in Palisades’ estimated decommissioning cost liability and the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability primarily resulted from assessment of the estimated decommissioning cash flows that occurred in conjunction with the impairment analysis.

In August 2013, the Board approved a plan to close and decommission Vermont Yankee at the end of its fuel cycle at the end of 2014. The decision to shut down the plant was primarily due to sustained low natural gas and wholesale energy prices, the high cost structure of the plant, and lack of a market structure that adequately compensates merchant nuclear plants for their environmental and fuel diversity benefits in the region in which the plant operates.

As a result of the decision to shut down the plant, Entergy recognized non-cash impairment and other related charges of $291.5 million ($183.7 million net-of-tax) during the third quarter 2013 to write down the carrying value of Vermont Yankee and related assets to their fair values. Entergy performed a fair value analysis based on the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, to determine the amount of impairment. The estimated fair value of the plant and related assets was $62 million, while the carrying value was $349 million. The carrying value of $349 million reflected the effect of a $58 million increase in Vermont Yankee’s estimated decommissioning cost liability and 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.

As a result of a settlement agreement entered into in 2013 by Entergy and Vermont regarding the remaining operation and decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, Entergy reassessed its assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows for Vermont Yankee. The reassessment resulted in a $27.2 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in December 2013. As part of the development of the site assessment study and PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2014. The revised estimate, along with reassessment of the assumptions regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows, resulted in a $101.6 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge, recorded in September 2014. Impairment charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of income for 2014 and 2013, and this impairment charge is included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment.

The impairments and other related charges are recorded as a separate line item in Entergy’s consolidated statements of operations and are included within the results of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment. In addition to the impairments and other related charges, Entergy incurred $46 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015, and expects to incur additional charges from 2016 into mid-2019 estimated to be up to approximately $175 million for severance and employee retention costs relating to the decisions to shut down Vermont Yankee, FitzPatrick, and Pilgrim.

The estimates of fair value were based on the prices that Entergy would expect to receive in hypothetical sales of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets to a market participant. In order to determine these prices, Entergy used significant observable inputs, including quoted forward power and gas prices, where available. Significant unobservable inputs, such as projected long-term pre-tax operating margins (cash basis) and estimated weighted average costs of capital, were also used in the estimation of fair value. In addition, Entergy made certain assumptions regarding future tax deductions associated with the plants and related assets as well as the amount and timing of recoveries from future litigation with the DOE related to spent fuel storage costs.  Based on the use of significant unobservable inputs, the fair value measurement for the entirety of the asset group, and for each type of asset within the asset group, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

The following table sets forth a description of significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Amount	Weighted Average
Weighted average cost of capital
FitzPatrick	7.5%	7.5%
Pilgrim (a)	7.5%-8.0%	7.9%
Palisades	7.5%	7.5%
Vermont Yankee	7.5%	7.5%
Long-term pre-tax operating margin (cash basis)
FitzPatrick	10.2%	10.2%
Pilgrim (a)	2.4%-10.6%	8.1%
Palisades (b)	30.8%	30.8%
Vermont Yankee	7.0%	7.0%

(a)    The fair value of Pilgrim was based on the probability weighting of two potential scenarios.

(b) Most of the Palisades output is sold under a 15-year power purchase agreement, entered at the plant’s acquisition in 2007, that expires in 2022. The power purchase agreement prices currently exceed market prices and escalate each year, up to $61.50/MWh in 2022.

Entergy’s Accounting Policy group, which reports to the Chief Accounting Officer, was primarily responsible for determining the valuation of the FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, Palisades, and Vermont Yankee plants and related assets, in consultation with external advisors. Entergy’s Accounting Policy group obtained and reviewed information from other Entergy departments with expertise on the various inputs and assumptions that were necessary to calculate the fair values of the asset groups.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Louisiana on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis.  The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized through August 2025.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Louisiana) are included in regulatory assets and are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, or over the life of the original debt issuance if the debt is not refinanced, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Debt Issuance Costs

In the fourth quarter 2015, Entergy adopted ASU No. 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”

For all periods presented in this report, debt issuance costs related to a note are reported in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying value of the related debt, and debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are reported in Other deferred debits separately from the amounts owed under such facility. Prior to adoption, Entergy reported both types of debt issuance costs in Other deferred debits. The change resulted in a reduction of both Other deferred debits and Long-term debt for all prior periods presented.

Taxes Imposed on Revenue-Producing Transactions

Governmental authorities assess taxes that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes.  Entergy presents these taxes on a net basis, excluding them from revenues, unless required to report them differently by a regulatory authority.

Presentation of Preferred Stock without Sinking Fund

Accounting standards regarding non-controlling interests and the classification and measurement of redeemable securities require the classification of preferred securities between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet if the holders of those securities have protective rights that allow them to gain control of the board of directors in certain circumstances.  These rights would have the effect of giving the holders the ability to potentially redeem their securities, even if the likelihood of occurrence of these circumstances is considered remote.  The Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans articles of incorporation provide, generally, that the holders of each company’s preferred securities may elect a majority of the respective company’s board of directors if dividends are not paid for a year, until such time as the dividends in arrears are paid.  Therefore, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans present their preferred securities outstanding between liabilities and shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet.  Entergy Louisiana, a limited liability company, had outstanding preferred securities with similar protective rights with respect to unpaid dividends, but provided for the election of board members that would not constitute a majority of the board; and its preferred securities were therefore classified as a component of members’ equity. In September 2015, Entergy Louisiana redeemed or repurchased and canceled its preferred membership interests as part of a multi-step process to effectuate the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination. See Note 2 to the financial statements for a discussion of the business combination.

The outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Utility Holding Company (a Utility subsidiary) and Entergy Finance Holding (an Entergy Wholesale Commodities subsidiary), whose preferred holders also have protective rights, are similarly presented between liabilities and equity on Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets and the outstanding preferred securities of Entergy Louisiana are presented within total equity in Entergy’s consolidated balance sheets.  The preferred dividends or distributions paid by all subsidiaries are reflected for all periods presented outside of consolidated net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The accounting standard-setting process, including projects between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to converge U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, is ongoing and the FASB and the IASB are each currently working on several projects.  Final pronouncements that result from these projects could have a material effect on Entergy’s future net income, financial position, or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The ASU’s core principle is that “an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The ASU details a five-step model that should be followed to achieve the core principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-09 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity.” The ASU states that for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share, an entity should determine the nature of the host contract by considering all stated and implied substantive terms and features of the hybrid financial instrument, weighing each term and feature on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-16 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2014-16 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2016. Entergy does not expect ASU 2015-02 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The ASU requires equity investments, excluding those accounted for under the equity method or resulting in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The ASU requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairments of equity investments without readily determinable fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy expects that ASU 2016-01 will affect its results of operations by requiring unrealized gains and losses on equity investments held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds to be recorded in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the decommissioning trust funds of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/losses will continue to be recorded in other regulatory liabilities/assets. Entergy is evaluating the ASU for other effects on the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Entergy Louisiana Basis of Presentation

As discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the financial statements, on October 1, 2015, the businesses formerly conducted by Entergy Louisiana (Old Entergy Louisiana) and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana (Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana) were combined into a single public utility. With the completion of the business combination, Entergy Louisiana holds substantially all of the assets, and has assumed the liabilities, of Old Entergy Louisiana and Old Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. The combination was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control. The effect of the business combination has been retrospectively applied to Entergy Louisiana's financial statements that are presented in this report.

Entergy New Orleans Basis of Presentation

On September 1, 2015, Entergy Louisiana transferred its Algiers assets to Entergy New Orleans for a purchase price of approximately $85 million, subject to closing adjustments. Entergy New Orleans paid Entergy Louisiana $59.6 million, including final true-ups, from available cash and issued a note payable to Entergy Louisiana in the amount of $25.5 million. Because the asset transfer was a transaction involving entities under common control, Entergy New Orleans recognized the assets and liabilities transferred to it at their carrying amounts in the accounts of Entergy Louisiana at the time of the asset transfer. The effect of the Algiers transfer has been retrospectively applied to Entergy New Orleans’s financial statements that are presented in this report.