Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

Entergy Arkansas [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

Entergy Louisiana [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

Entergy Mississippi [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

Entergy New Orleans [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

Entergy Texas [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616

System Energy [Member]

Retirement And Other Postretirement Benefits

RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has nine qualified pension plans covering substantially all employees. The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees” are non-contributory final average pay plans and provide pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during employment.  The “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III” is a final average pay plan that provides pension benefits that are based on employees’ credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement and includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Non-bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees.” Certain bargaining employees hired or rehired after June 30, 2014, or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreements, participate in the “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.” The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these four plans: “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees,” “Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees,” and “Entergy Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees.”

The assets of the seven final average pay qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy, and the assets of the two cash balance pension plans are held in a second master trust established by Entergy.  Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trusts permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trusts are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in each trust to the various participating pension plans in that particular trust.  The fair value of the trusts’ assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  For each trust, the trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trusts on a pro rata basis.

Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions, and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e. interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$175,046			$140,436			$172,280
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	302,777			290,076			263,296
Expected return on assets	(394,618		)	(361,462		)	(328,227		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,561			1,600			2,125
Recognized net loss	235,922			145,095			213,194
Curtailment loss	374			—			16,318
Special termination benefit	76			732			13,139
Net periodic pension costs		$321,138			$216,477			$352,125
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$50,762			$1,389,912			($894,150	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,561		)	(1,600		)	(2,125		)
Acceleration of prior service cost to curtailment	(374		)	—			(1,307		)
Amortization of net loss	(235,922		)	(145,095		)	(213,194		)
Total		($187,095	)		$1,243,217			($1,110,776	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$134,043			$1,459,694			($758,651	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year:
Prior service cost		$1,079			$1,561			$1,600
Net loss		$195,321			$237,013			$146,958

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$26,646			$34,396			$7,929			$3,395			$6,582			$7,827
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Expected return on assets	(80,102		)	(90,803		)	(24,420		)	(10,899		)	(24,887		)	(18,271		)
Recognized net loss	54,254			59,802			14,896			8,053			12,950			13,055
Net pension cost		$62,683			$72,860			$16,412			$8,981			$12,059			$16,581
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net (gain)/loss		$16,687			$16,618			$6,329			$1,853			($4,488	)		$101
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of net loss	(54,254		)	(59,802		)	(14,896		)	(8,053		)	(12,950		)	(13,055		)
Total		($37,567	)		($43,184	)		($8,567	)		($6,200	)		($17,438	)		($12,954	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension (income)/cost regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$25,116			$29,676			$7,845			$2,781			($5,379	)		$3,627
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$43,747			$47,809			$11,938			$6,460			$9,358			$10,414

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$20,090			$25,706			$6,094			$2,666			$5,142			$5,785
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Expected return on assets	(73,218		)	(83,746		)	(22,794		)	(10,019		)	(23,723		)	(16,619		)
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			2
Recognized net loss	35,956			40,446			9,415			5,796			9,356			9,500
Net pension cost		$42,365			$49,390			$9,988			$6,607			$8,521			$12,229
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net loss		$300,907			$318,932			$88,199			$38,161			$65,363			$60,763
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Amortization of net loss	(35,956		)	(40,446		)	(9,415		)	(5,796		)	(9,356		)	(9,500		)
Total		$264,951			$278,486			$78,784			$32,365			$56,007			$51,261
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$307,316			$327,876			$88,772			$38,972			$64,528			$63,490
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Net loss		$54,254			$59,802			$14,896			$8,053			$12,950			$13,055

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$25,229			$31,302			$7,295			$3,264			$6,475			$7,242
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	54,473			61,598			15,802			7,462			16,303			12,170
Expected return on assets	(66,951		)	(76,930		)	(21,139		)	(9,117		)	(22,277		)	(17,249		)
Amortization of prior service cost	23			92			10			2			6			9
Recognized net loss	49,517			57,481			13,189			7,878			13,302			9,560
Curtailment loss	4,938			4,347			767			343			1,559			—
Special termination benefit	1,784			2,439			359			581			855			1,970
Net pension cost		$69,013			$80,329			$16,283			$10,413			$16,223			$13,702
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Net gain		($177,105	)		($221,844	)		($52,525	)		($25,419	)		($55,772	)		($35,511	)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(92		)	(10		)	(2		)	(6		)	(9		)
Amortization of net loss	(49,517		)	(57,481		)	(13,189		)	(7,878		)	(13,302		)	(9,560		)
Total		($226,645	)		($279,417	)		($65,724	)		($33,299	)		($69,080	)		($45,080	)
Total recognized as net periodic pension income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($157,632	)		($199,088	)		($49,441	)		($22,886	)		($52,857	)		($31,378	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost in the following year
Prior service cost		$—			$—			$—			$—			$—			$2
Net loss		$35,984			$40,295			$9,421			$5,802			$9,363			$9,510

Qualified PensionObligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$7,230,542			$5,770,999
Service cost	175,046			140,436
Interest cost	302,777			290,076
Special termination benefit	76			732
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(460,986		)	1,284,049
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Balance at end of year		$6,848,238			$7,230,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$4,827,966			$4,429,237
Actual return on plan assets	(117,130		)	255,599
Employer contributions	395,814			398,880
Employee contributions	524			560
Benefits paid	(399,741		)	(256,310		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$4,707,433			$4,827,966
Funded status		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current liabilities		($2,140,805	)		($2,402,576	)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service cost		$—			$3,704
Net loss	2,300,222			2,451,172
		$2,300,222			$2,454,876
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service cost		$2,784			$1,015
Net loss	637,472			671,682
		$640,256			$672,697

Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Service cost	26,646			34,396			7,929			3,395			6,582			7,827
Interest cost	61,885			69,465			18,007			8,432			17,414			13,970
Actuarial gain	(87,617		)	(101,361		)	(25,492		)	(12,289		)	(36,862		)	(23,720		)
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Balance at end of year		$1,400,511			$1,564,710			$408,604			$191,064			$383,627			$311,542
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Actual return on plan assets	(24,201		)	(27,175		)	(7,401		)	(3,243		)	(7,487		)	(5,550		)
Employer contributions	92,419			89,375			22,457			10,903			17,157			20,782
Benefits paid	(86,121		)	(104,325		)	(24,009		)	(11,029		)	(22,005		)	(20,847		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$959,618			$1,071,234			$292,297			$129,975			$298,378			$212,006
Funded status		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($440,893	)		($493,476	)		($116,307	)		($61,089	)		($85,249	)		($99,536	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$684,552			$687,305			$190,406			$95,941			$159,085			$159,508
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$51,733			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)
Balance at beginning of year		$1,192,640			$1,341,212			$345,824			$163,707			$356,080			$270,789
Service cost	20,090			25,706			6,094			2,666			5,142			5,785
Interest cost	59,537			66,984			17,273			8,164			17,746			13,561
Actuarial loss	279,781			294,646			81,600			35,131			58,556			55,410
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Balance at end of year		$1,485,718			$1,666,535			$432,169			$202,555			$418,498			$334,312
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$896,295			$1,031,187			$281,837			$122,960			$295,751			$196,328
Actual return on plan assets	52,092			59,460			16,196			6,988			16,916			11,265
Employer contributions	95,464			84,725			21,839			10,509			17,072			21,261
Benefits paid	(66,330		)	(62,013		)	(18,622		)	(7,113		)	(19,026		)	(11,233		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$977,521			$1,113,359			$301,250			$133,344			$310,713			$217,621
Funded status		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
Non-current liabilities		($508,197	)		($553,176	)		($130,919	)		($69,211	)		($107,785	)		($116,691	)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net loss		$722,119			$741,474			$198,972			$102,141			$176,522			$172,463
Amounts recognized as AOCI  (before tax)
Net loss		$—			$40,748			$—			$—			$—			$—

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefit costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefit costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the trusts’ assets.  The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:

	2015			2014			2013
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$45,305			$43,493			$74,654
Interest cost on APBO	71,934			71,841			79,453
Expected return on assets	(45,375		)	(44,787		)	(40,323		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(37,280		)	(31,590		)	(14,904		)
Recognized net loss	31,573			11,143			44,178
Curtailment loss	—			—			12,729
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$66,157			$50,100			$155,787
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and /or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for period		($48,192	)		($35,864	)		($116,571	)
Net loss/(gain)	(154,339		)	287,313			(405,976		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and /or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	37,280			31,590			14,904
Acceleration of prior service credit due to curtailment	—			—			1,989
Amortization of net loss	(31,573		)	(11,143		)	(44,178		)
Total		($196,824	)		$271,896			($549,832	)
Total recognized as net periodic benefit income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($130,667	)		$321,996			($394,045	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the following year
Prior service credit		($45,485	)		($37,280	)		($31,589	)
Net loss		$18,214			$31,591			$11,197

Total 2015, 2014, and 2013 other postretirement benefit costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their employees included the following components:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$6,957			$9,893			$2,028			$818			$2,000			$1,881
Interest cost on APBO	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Expected return on assets	(19,190		)	—			(6,166		)	(4,804		)	(10,351		)	(3,644		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(7,467		)	(916		)	(709		)	(2,723		)	(1,465		)
Recognized net loss	5,356			7,118			860			470			2,740			1,198
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		$3,200			$25,855			($758	)		($1,617	)		($2,968	)		$481
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($18,035	)		($1,361	)		$—			$—			$—			($644	)
Net (gain)/loss	(11,978		)	(47,043		)	774			(5,810		)	(4,907		)	305
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			7,467			916			709			2,723			1,465
Amortization of net loss	(5,356		)	(7,118		)	(860		)	(470		)	(2,740		)	(1,198		)
Total		($32,928	)		($48,055	)		$830			($5,571	)		($4,924	)		($72	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income/(cost), regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($29,728	)		($22,200	)		$72			($7,188	)		($7,892	)		$409
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($5,472	)		($7,783	)		($933	)		($745	)		($2,722	)		($1,570	)
Net loss		$4,256			$2,926			$893			$146			$2,148			$1,149

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$5,957			$9,414			$1,900			$868			$2,378			$2,058
Interest cost on APBO	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Expected return on assets	(19,135		)	—			(5,771		)	(4,475		)	(10,358		)	(3,727		)
Amortization of prior credit	(2,441		)	(5,614		)	(915		)	(709		)	(1,300		)	(824		)
Recognized net loss	1,267			2,723			149			56			801			443
Net other postretirement benefit (income)/cost		($2,091	)		$23,165			($982	)		($1,455	)		($2,827	)		$561
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		$—			($12,845	)		$—			$—			($8,536	)		($3,845	)
Net loss	55,642			61,049			9,525			6,309			24,482			10,596
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	2,441			5,614			915			709			1,300			824
Amortization of net loss	(1,267		)	(2,723		)	(149		)	(56		)	(801		)	(443		)
Total		$56,816			$51,095			$10,291			$6,962			$16,445			$7,132
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		$54,725			$74,260			$9,309			$5,507			$13,618			$7,693
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($7,467	)		($916	)		($709	)		($2,723	)		($1,465	)
Net loss		$5,356			$7,118			$860			$470			$2,740			$1,198

2013	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period		$9,619			$16,451			$3,246			$1,752			$3,760			$3,580
Interest cost on APBO	13,545			18,374			4,289			3,135			6,076			2,945
Expected return on assets	(16,843		)	—			(5,335		)	(4,101		)	(9,391		)	(3,350		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(689		)	(1,450		)	(204		)	(24		)	(501		)	(126		)
Recognized net loss	7,976			9,648			2,534			1,509			3,744			1,896
Curtailment loss	4,517			3,394			596			354			1,436			760
Net other postretirement benefit cost		$18,125			$46,417			$5,126			$2,625			$5,124			$5,705
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period		($11,617	)		($27,549	)		($4,714	)		($4,469	)		($5,359	)		($4,591	)
Net loss	(81,236		)	(84,681		)	(30,018		)	(18,508		)	(34,562		)	(17,579		)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:
Amortization of prior service credit	689			1,450			204			24			501			126
Acceleration of prior service credit/(cost) due to curtailment	78			132			20			(4		)	62			9
Amortization of net loss	(7,976		)	(9,648		)	(2,534		)	(1,509		)	(3,744		)	(1,896		)
Total		($100,062	)		($120,296	)		($37,042	)		($24,466	)		($43,102	)		($23,931	)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)		($81,937	)		($73,879	)		($31,916	)		($21,841	)		($37,978	)		($18,226	)
Estimated amortization amounts from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic cost  in the following year
Prior service credit		($2,441	)		($5,612	)		($918	)		($709	)		($1,301	)		($824	)
Net loss		$1,267			$2,723			$149			$56			$800			$464

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$1,739,557			$1,461,910
Service cost	45,305			43,493
Interest cost	71,934			71,841
Plan amendments	(48,192		)	(35,864		)
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(208,017		)	274,061
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	3,175			4,395
Balance at end of year		$1,530,829			$1,739,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$597,627			$569,850
Actual return on plan assets	(8,303		)	31,535
Employer contributions	62,678			76,521
Plan participant contributions	29,685			22,160
Benefits paid	(102,618		)	(102,439		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$579,069			$597,627
Funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		($41,326	)		($41,821	)
Non-current liabilities	(910,434		)	(1,100,109		)
Total funded status		($951,760	)		($1,141,930	)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($61,833	)		($54,508	)
Net loss	191,782			248,918
		$129,949			$194,410
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		($107,673	)		($104,086	)
Net loss	171,742			300,518
		$64,069			$196,432

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Service cost	6,957			9,893			2,028			818			2,000			1,881
Interest cost	12,518			16,311			3,436			2,608			5,366			2,511
Plan amendments	(18,035		)	(1,361		)	—			—			—			(644		)
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Actuarial gain	(34,217		)	(47,043		)	(6,407		)	(12,118		)	(17,052		)	(3,973		)
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	619			825			206			137			306			118
Balance at end of year		$258,900			$356,253			$77,382			$51,951			$114,582			$57,645
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Actual return on plan assets	(3,049		)	—			(1,015		)	(1,504		)	(1,794		)	(634		)
Employer contributions	14,722			17,318			661			3,654			2,618			260
Plan participant contributions	6,818			6,864			1,884			1,259			2,092			1,530
Benefits paid	(19,476		)	(24,182		)	(6,927		)	(4,532		)	(8,275		)	(4,532		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$243,206			$—			$75,538			$69,881			$130,374			$44,917
Funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,857	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(15,694		)	(337,396		)	(1,844		)	17,930			15,792			(12,728		)
Total funded status		($15,694	)		($356,253	)		($1,844	)		$17,930			$15,792			($12,728	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($26,149	)		$—			($3,225	)		($2,917	)		($11,018	)		($6,902	)
Net loss	77,313			—			18,594			6,458			38,806			19,557
		$51,164			$—			$15,369			$3,541			$27,788			$12,655
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($30,874	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			70,743			—			—			—			—
		$—			$39,869			$—			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas			System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Change in APBO
Balance at beginning of year		$250,734			$339,066			$74,539			$57,874			$115,418			$53,051
Service cost	5,957			9,414			1,900			868			2,378			2,058
Interest cost	12,261			16,642			3,655			2,805			5,652			2,611
Plan amendments	—			(12,845		)	—			—			(8,536		)	(3,845		)
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Actuarial loss	49,573			61,049			7,939			5,097			21,471			9,524
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Medicare Part D subsidy received	980			1,174			322			222			440			152
Balance at end of year		$303,716			$394,946			$83,162			$63,779			$130,145			$60,754
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year		$231,663			$—			$73,438			$66,539			$131,618			$48,101
Actual return on plan assets	13,066			—			4,185			3,263			7,347			2,655
Employer contributions	15,251			19,554			8,505			4,289			3,446			334
Plan participant contributions	5,195			5,071			1,396			1,044			1,655			1,061
Benefits paid	(20,984		)	(24,625		)	(6,589		)	(4,131		)	(8,333		)	(3,858		)
Fair value of assets at end of year		$244,191			$—			$80,935			$71,004			$135,733			$48,293
Funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,588			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Current liabilities		$—			($18,724	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Non-current liabilities	(59,525		)	(376,222		)	(2,227		)	7,225			5,558			(12,461		)
Total funded status		($59,525	)		($394,946	)		($2,227	)		$7,225			$5,558			($12,461	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset
Prior service credit		($10,555	)		$—			($4,141	)		($3,626	)		($13,741	)		($7,723	)
Net loss	94,647			—			18,680			12,738			46,453			20,450
		$84,092			$—			$14,539			$9,112			$32,712			$12,727
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)
Prior service credit		$—			($36,980	)		$—			$—			$—			$—
Net loss	—			124,904			—			—			—			—
		$—			$87,924			$—			$—			$—			$—

Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $22.8 million in 2015, $32.4 million in 2014, and $54.5 million in 2013.  In 2015, 2014, and 2013 Entergy recognized $5.1 million, $15.1 million, and $33 million, respectively in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.  The projected benefit obligation was $157.3 million and $151.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $137.6 million and $130.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Entergy’s non-qualified, non-current pension liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136.1 million and $135.6 million, respectively; and its current liability was $21.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($58.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $60.3 million at December 31, 2014) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($23.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2014).

The Registrant Subsidiaries (except System Energy) participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their employees for the non-qualified plans for 2015, 2014, and 2013, was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$446		$377		$235		$64		$595
2014		$754		$135		$190		$95		$491
2013		$448		$163		$192		$92		$1,001

Included in the 2015 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $108 thousand and $2 thousand for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2014 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $337 thousand and $16 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2013 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $415 thousand for Entergy Texas related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.  

The projected benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,694		$2,550		$2,185		$468		$8,832
2014		$4,495		$2,851		$2,128		$476		$9,567

The accumulated benefit obligation for their employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$4,495		$2,538		$1,802		$417		$8,460
2014		$4,086		$2,824		$1,761		$436		$9,215

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

2015	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($2,128	)		($237	)		($119	)		($19	)		($773	)
Non-current liabilities	(2,566		)	(2,313		)	(2,066		)	(449		)	(8,059		)
Total funded status		($4,694	)		($2,550	)		($2,185	)		($468	)		($8,832	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,356			$544			$883			($136	)		($333	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$41			$—			$—			$—

2014	Entergy Arkansas			Entergy Louisiana			Entergy Mississippi			Entergy New Orleans			Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Current liabilities		($347	)		($259	)		($119	)		($23	)		($753	)
Non-current liabilities	(4,148		)	(2,592		)	(2,009		)	(453		)	(8,814		)
Total funded status		($4,495	)		($2,851	)		($2,128	)		($476	)		($9,567	)
Regulatory asset/(liability)		$2,368			$696			$942			($65	)		$296
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)		$—			$98			$—			$—			$—

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2015:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,557	)		$25,905			($428	)		$23,920
Acceleration of prior service cost due to curtailment	(374		)	—			—			(374		)
Amortization of loss	(50,508		)	(17,613		)	(2,175		)	(70,296		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(1,401		)	(1,401		)
		($52,439	)		$8,292			($4,004	)		($48,151	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$7,467			($3	)		$7,464
Amortization of loss	(3,003		)	(7,118		)	(19		)	(10,140		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(14		)	(14		)
		($3,003	)		$349			($36	)		($2,690	)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2014:

	Qualified Pension Costs			Other Postretirement Costs			Non-Qualified Pension Costs			Total
	(In Thousands)
Entergy
Amortization of prior service cost		($1,559	)		$22,280			($427	)		$20,294
Amortization of loss	(26,934		)	(6,689		)	(2,213		)	(35,836		)
Settlement loss	—			—			(3,643		)	(3,643		)
		($28,493	)		$15,591			($6,283	)		($19,185	)
Entergy Louisiana
Amortization of prior service cost		$—			$5,614			$—			$5,614
Amortization of loss	(1,911		)	(2,723		)	(3		)	(4,637		)
		($1,911	)		$2,891			($3	)		$977

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefit costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefit obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of pension plan assets by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns.  For other postretirement benefit plan assets Entergy uses fair value when determining MRV.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.  

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the pension plans’ funded status. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases. The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets. 

The target and range asset allocation for postretirement assets reflects recommendations made in the latest optimization study.

Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the target asset allocation and ranges are as follows:

Pension Asset Allocation	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	45%	34%	to	53%	45%	45%
International Equity Securities	20%	16%	to	24%	19%	19%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	31%	to	41%	35%	35%
Other	0%	0%	to	10%	1%	1%

Postretirement Asset Allocation	Non-Taxable and Taxable
	Target	Range			Actual 2015	Actual 2014
Domestic Equity Securities	39%	34%	to	44%	40%	42%
International Equity Securities	26%	21%	to	31%	24%	25%
Fixed Income Securities	35%	30%	to	40%	36%	33%
Other	0%	0%	to	5%	0%	0%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other trust assets (as described above), with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2015, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

• Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or

-     inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

• Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.

Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$6,409	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$6,409
Common	686,335		(b)	95			—		686,430
Common collective trusts	—			1,873,218		(c)	—		1,873,218
103-12 investment entities	—			283,288		(h)	—		283,288
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	1,879		(b)	343,805		(a)	—		345,684
Corporate debt instruments	—			595,862		(a)	—		595,862
Registered investment companies	255,720		(d)	547,208		(e)	—		802,928
Other	—			114,215		(f)	—		114,215
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			35,998		(g)	—		35,998
Total investments		$950,343			$3,793,689			$—		$4,744,032
Cash									373
Other pending transactions									1,124
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(38,096		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,707,433

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Corporate stocks:
Preferred		$10,017	(b)		$—	(a)		$—		$10,017
Common	717,685		(b)	97			—		717,782
Common collective trusts	—			1,886,897		(c)	—		1,886,897
103-12 investment entities	—			259,995			—		259,995
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	240		(b)	400,059		(a)	—		400,299
Corporate debt instruments	—			548,788		(a)	—		548,788
Registered investment companies	286,534		(d)	576,641		(e)	—		863,175
Other	—			130,295		(f)	—		130,295
Other:
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)	—			37,818		(g)	—		37,818
Total investments		$1,014,476			$3,840,590			$—		$4,855,066
Cash									495
Other pending transactions									7,359
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments									(34,954		)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets										$4,827,966

Other Postretirement Trusts

2015	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$348,604	(c)		$—		$348,604
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	33,789		(b)	42,222		(a)	—		76,011
Corporate debt instruments	—			62,629		(a)	—		62,629
Registered investment companies	3,572		(d)	—			—		3,572
Other	—			49,677		(f)	—		49,677
Total investments		$37,361			$503,132			$—		$540,493
Other pending transactions									480
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									38,096
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$579,069

2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In Thousands)
Equity securities:
Common collective trust		$—			$370,228	(c)		$—		$370,228
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government securities	36,306		(b)	45,618		(a)	—		81,924
Corporate debt instruments	—			57,830		(a)	—		57,830
Registered investment companies	5,558		(d)	—			—		5,558
Other	—			46,968		(f)	—		46,968
Total investments		$41,864			$520,644			$—		$562,508
Other pending transactions									165
Plus:  Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust									34,954
Total fair value of other postretirement assets										$597,627

(a) Certain preferred stocks and certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(b) Common stocks, certain preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.

(c) The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value.

(d) The registered investment company is a money market mutual fund with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share.

(e) The registered investment company holds investments in domestic and international bond markets and estimates fair value using net asset value per share.

(f) The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.

(g) The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

(h) 103-12 investment entities hold investments in accordance with stated objectives. The investment strategy of the investment entities is to capture the growth potential of international equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index. Net asset value per share of the 103-12 investment entities estimate fair value.

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$1,309,903		$1,379,108
Entergy Louisiana		$1,436,535		$1,523,691
Entergy Mississippi		$379,775		$399,300
Entergy New Orleans		$176,692		$186,473
Entergy Texas		$359,687		$391,296
System Energy		$286,917		$305,556

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2015, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:

	Estimated Future Benefits Payments
	Qualified Pension		Non-Qualified Pension		Other Postretirement (before Medicare Subsidy)		Estimated Future Medicare Subsidy Receipts
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$287,575		$21,187		$78,016		$381
2017		$301,880		$10,985		$80,565		$432
2018		$317,395		$11,456		$85,034		$1,387
2019		$334,308		$10,794		$88,803		$1,545
2020		$351,112		$13,443		$91,540		$1,733
2021 - 2025		$2,039,411		$80,652		$487,584		$11,672

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid and the Medicare Part D subsidies to be received over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees will be as follows:

Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$71,847		$68,238		$20,061		$8,094		$19,442		$13,043
2017		$72,566		$70,537		$20,805		$8,426		$20,185		$13,320
2018		$73,854		$73,422		$21,544		$8,902		$20,955		$13,791
2019		$75,442		$76,224		$22,237		$9,321		$21,604		$14,153
2020		$77,137		$79,554		$23,168		$9,910		$22,438		$14,950
2021 - 2025		$423,691		$460,606		$127,084		$58,280		$123,521		$89,766

Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits Payments	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$2,128		$237		$119		$19		$773
2017		$223		$230		$130		$19		$731
2018		$217		$222		$119		$19		$702
2019		$211		$214		$117		$46		$680
2020		$265		$206		$229		$31		$751
2021 - 2025		$1,579		$961		$863		$218		$3,255

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits Payments (before Medicare Part D Subsidy)	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$16,001		$18,946		$4,106		$3,763		$6,244		$3,051
2017		$15,925		$19,244		$4,168		$3,755		$6,448		$3,115
2018		$16,249		$20,046		$4,402		$3,803		$6,864		$3,183
2019		$16,292		$20,863		$4,509		$3,820		$7,177		$3,290
2020		$16,221		$21,501		$4,677		$3,785		$7,389		$3,349
2021 - 2025		$82,430		$115,765		$25,004		$18,266		$38,692		$18,094

Estimated Future Medicare Part D Subsidy	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Year(s)
2016		$86		$89		$31		$22		$36		$11
2017		$96		$99		$34		$23		$39		$13
2018		$305		$313		$107		$70		$120		$44
2019		$339		$344		$117		$73		$128		$51
2020		$377		$380		$125		$77		$137		$60
2021 - 2025		$2,422		$2,487		$774		$430		$832		$465

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $387.5 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $52.6 million to other postretirement plans in 2016.  The expected 2016 pension and other postretirement plan contributions of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees are shown below.  The 2016 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2016 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2016.

The Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately the following to the qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their employees in 2016:

	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas		System Energy
	(In Thousands)
Pension Contributions		$82,829		$83,907		$19,914		$10,693		$15,771		$20,195
Other Postretirement Contributions		$4,238		$18,946		$—		$3,669		$3,231		$—

Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefit APBO as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	2015	2014
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.51% - 4.79% Blended 4.67%	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%
Other postretirement	4.60%	4.23%
Non-qualified pension	3.84%	3.61%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	6.75%	7.10%
Post-65	7.55%	7.70%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2024	2023
Post-65	2024	2023

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Qualified pension	4.03% - 4.40% Blended 4.27%	5.04% - 5.26% Blended 5.14%	4.31% - 4.50% Blended 4.36%
Other postretirement	4.23%	5.05%	4.36%
Non-qualified pension	3.61%	4.29%	3.37%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:
Pension assets	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Other postretirement tax deferred assets	8.05%	8.30%	8.50%
Other postretirement taxable assets	6.25%	6.50%	6.50%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-65	7.10%	7.25%	7.50%
Post-65	7.70%	7.00%	7.25%
Ultimate rate	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Year ultimate rate is reached and beyond:
Pre-65	2023	2022	2022
Post-65	2023	2022	2022

With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2015 projection scale, in determining its December 31, 2015 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO. The mortality assumption used in determining Entergy’s December 31, 2014 pension plans’ PBOs and other postretirement benefit APBO was the RP-2014 Employee and Health Annuitant Tables, with a fully generational MP-2014 projection scale.    

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects: 

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase /(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries		$181,998		$19,022		($150,324	)		($15,071	)

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2015 would have the following effects for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their employees:

	1 Percentage Point Increase				1 Percentage Point Decrease
2015	Impact on the APBO		Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost		Impact on the APBO			Impact on the sum of service costs and interest cost
	Increase/(Decrease) (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas		$27,571		$3,112		($22,839	)		($2,442	)
Entergy Louisiana		$42,312		$4,132		($34,837	)		($3,274	)
Entergy Mississippi		$9,032		$850		($7,412	)		($668	)
Entergy New Orleans		$4,741		$404		($3,985	)		($329	)
Entergy Texas		$13,195		$1,055		($10,991	)		($851	)
System Energy		$7,422		$721		($6,085	)		($570	)

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IV (established in March 2002), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (established in April 2007), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries.  

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $44.4 million in 2015, $43.3 million in 2014, and $44.5 million in 2013.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2015, 2014, and 2013 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:

Year	Entergy Arkansas		Entergy Louisiana		Entergy Mississippi		Entergy New Orleans		Entergy Texas
	(In Thousands)
2015		$3,242		$4,324		$1,920		$721		$1,620
2014		$3,044		$4,133		$1,855		$710		$1,563
2013		$3,351		$4,299		$1,954		$769		$1,616