Note 3. Acquisitions and Dispositions

Dominion Energy

Acquisition of Dominion Energy Questar

In September 2016, Dominion Energy completed the Dominion Energy Questar Combination and Dominion Energy Questar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Energy. Dominion Energy Questar, a Rockies-based integrated natural gas company, included Questar Gas, Wexpro Company and Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline at closing. Questar Gas has regulated gas distribution operations in Utah, southwestern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Wexpro Company develops and produces natural gas from reserves that are supplied to Questar Gas under a cost-of-service framework. Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline provides FERC-regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage services in Utah, Wyoming and western Colorado. The Dominion Energy Questar Combination provides Dominion Energy with pipeline infrastructure that provides a principal source of gas supply to Western states. Dominion Energy Questar’s regulated businesses also provide further balance between Dominion Energy’s electric and gas operations.

In accordance with the terms of the Dominion Energy Questar Combination, at closing, each share of issued and outstanding Dominion Energy Questar common stock was converted into the right to receive $25.00 per share in cash. The total consideration was $4.4 billion based on 175.5 million shares of Dominion Energy Questar outstanding at closing.

Dominion Energy financed the Dominion Energy Questar Combination through the: (1) August 2016 issuance of $1.4 billion of 2016 Equity Units, (2) August 2016 issuance of $1.3 billion of senior notes, (3) September 2016 borrowing of $1.2 billion under a term loan agreement and (4) $500 million of the proceeds from the April 2016 issuance of common stock. See Notes 17 and 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companies' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information.

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companies' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more information on the Dominion Energy Questar Combination including purchase price allocation, regulatory matters and the contribution of Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline to Dominion Energy Midstream. During the third quarter of 2017, certain modifications were made to the valuation amounts for regulatory liabilities, current liabilities and deferred income taxes, resulting in a $6 million net increase to goodwill recorded in Dominion Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The modifications relate primarily to the finalization of Dominion Energy Questar’s 2016 tax return for the period January 1, 2016 through the Dominion Energy Questar Combination, as well as certain regulatory adjustments.

Results of Operations and Pro Forma Information

The impact of the Dominion Energy Questar Combination on Dominion Energy’s operating revenue and net income attributable to Dominion Energy in the Consolidated Statements of Income for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, was an increase of $23 million and $5 million, respectively.

Dominion Energy incurred transaction and transition costs, of which $14 million and $34 million was recorded in other operations and maintenance expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in Dominion Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Dominion Energy incurred transaction and transition costs, of which $40 million and $47 million was recorded in other operations and maintenance expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $13 million was recorded in interest and related charges for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, in Dominion Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. These costs consist of the amortization of financing costs, the charitable contribution commitment described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companies’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, employee-related expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous costs.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of Dominion Energy assuming the Dominion Energy Questar Combination had taken place on January 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved or the future consolidated results of operations of the combined company.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016⁽¹⁾		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016⁽¹⁾
(millions, except EPS)
Operating Revenue	$	3,261	$	9,410
Net income attributable to Dominion Energy		732		1,835
Earnings Per Common Share – Basic	$	1.17	$	2.99
Earnings Per Common Share – Diluted	$	1.17	$	2.99

(1)	Amounts include adjustments for non-recurring costs directly related to the Dominion Energy Questar Combination.

Wholly-Owned Merchant Solar Projects

In January 2017, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of a solar project in North Carolina from Cypress Creek Renewables, LLC for cash consideration. In May 2017, Dominion Energy closed on the acquisition for $154 million, all of which was allocated to property, plant and equipment. The facility commenced commercial operations in June 2017, at a cost of $160 million, including the initial acquisition cost, and generates approximately 79 MW.

In September 2016, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of a solar project in Virginia from Community Energy Solar, LLC for cash consideration. In February 2017, Dominion Energy closed on the acquisition for $29 million, all of which was allocated to property, plant and equipment. The project is expected to cost approximately $205 million once constructed, including the initial acquisition cost. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations during the fourth quarter of 2017 and to generate approximately 100 MW.

In August 2016, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of two solar projects in California from Solar Frontier Americas Holding LLC for cash consideration. In March 2017, Dominion Energy closed on the acquisition of one of the solar projects for $77 million, all of which was allocated to property, plant and equipment. The facility commenced commercial operations in June 2017, at a cost of $78 million, including the initial acquisition cost, and generates approximately 30 MW. In April 2017, Dominion Energy discontinued efforts on the acquisition of the additional 20 MW solar project from Solar Frontier Americas Holding LLC.

In May 2017, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of two solar projects in Virginia from Hecate Energy Virginia C&C LLC for cash consideration of $56 million. Dominion Energy completed the acquisition of one of the projects in June 2017 for $16 million and the facility commenced commercial operations in August 2017. The second acquisition was completed in September 2017 for $40 million with commencement of commercial operations expected to occur by the end of 2017. The projects are expected to cost approximately $60 million once constructed, including the initial acquisition costs, and to generate approximately 30 MW combined.

In June 2017, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of four solar projects in North Carolina from Strata Solar Development, LLC and Moorings Farm 2 Holdco, LLC for cash consideration of $40 million. Dominion Energy completed the acquisition of two of the projects in June 2017 for $20 million. The final two acquisitions were completed in October 2017 for $20 million. Commencement of commercial operations of all the projects is expected to occur by the end of 2017. The projects are expected to cost approximately $45 million once constructed, including the initial acquisition costs, and to generate approximately 19 MW combined.

Long-term power purchase, interconnection and operation and maintenance agreements have been executed for all of the projects described above. These projects are included in Power Generation. Dominion Energy has claimed or will claim federal investment tax credits on these solar projects.

Sale of Interest in Merchant Solar Projects

In September 2015, Dominion Energy signed an agreement to sell a noncontrolling interest (consisting of 33% of the equity interests) in all of its then currently wholly-owned merchant solar projects, 24 solar projects totaling approximately 425 MW, to SunEdison. In December 2015, the sale of interest in 15 of the solar projects closed for $184 million with the sale of interest in the remaining projects completed in January 2016 for $117 million. Upon closing, SunEdison sold its interest in these projects to Terra Nova Renewable Partners. Terra Nova Renewable Partners has a future option to buy all or a portion of Dominion Energy’s remaining 67% ownership in the projects upon the occurrence of certain events, none of which had occurred at September 30, 2017 nor are expected to occur in the remainder of 2017.

Sale of Certain Retail Energy Marketing Assets

In October 2017, Dominion Energy entered into an agreement to sell certain assets associated with its nonregulated retail energy marketing operations for total consideration of $143 million, subject to customary approvals and certain adjustments. Pursuant to the agreement, Dominion Energy will enter into a commission agreement with the buyer upon the first closing under which the buyer will pay a commission in connection with the right to use Dominion Energy’s brand in marketing materials and other services over a ten-year term. Dominion Energy is expected to recognize a benefit in other operations and maintenance expense upon each phase of closing, approximately $78 million ($48 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2017 and approximately $65 million ($40 million after-tax) in 2018.

Virginia Power

Acquisition of Solar Projects

In September 2017, Virginia Power entered into agreements to acquire two solar development projects in North Carolina. The first acquisition is expected to close prior to the project commencing commercial operations, which is expected by the end of 2018, and cost approximately $140 million once constructed, including the initial acquisition cost. The second acquisition is expected to close prior to the project commencing commercial operations, which is expected by the end of 2019, and cost approximately $140 million once constructed, including the initial acquisition cost. The projects are expected to generate approximately 155 MW combined. Virginia Power anticipates claiming federal investment tax credits on these solar projects.

Assignment of Tower Rental Portfolio

Virginia Power rents space on certain of its electric transmission towers to various wireless carriers for communications antennas and other equipment. In March 2017, Virginia Power sold its rental portfolio to Vertical Bridge Towers II, LLC for $91 million in cash. The proceeds are subject to Virginia Power's FERC-regulated tariff, under which it is required to return half of the proceeds to customers. Virginia Power recognized $2 million and $10 million in other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, with the remaining $36 million to be recognized ratably through 2023.

Dominion Energy Gas

Assignment of Shale Development Rights

In December 2013, Dominion Energy Gas closed an agreement with a natural gas producer to convey over time approximately 79,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights underneath one of its natural gas storage fields. The agreement provided for payments to Dominion Energy Gas, subject to customary adjustments, of up to approximately $200 million over a period of nine years, and an overriding royalty interest in gas produced from the acreage. In March 2015, Dominion Energy Gas and the natural gas producer closed on an amendment to the agreement, which included the immediate conveyance of approximately 9,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights and a two year extension of the term of the original agreement. In April 2016, Dominion Energy Gas and the natural gas producer closed on an amendment to the agreement, which included the immediate conveyance of a 32% partial interest in the remaining approximately 70,000 acres. This conveyance resulted in the recognition of $35 million ($21 million after-tax) of previously deferred revenue to other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Energy Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income. In August 2017, Dominion Energy Gas and the natural gas producer signed an amendment to the agreement, which included the finalization of contractual matters on previous conveyances, the conveyance of Dominion Energy Gas’ remaining 68% interest in approximately 70,000 acres and the elimination of Dominion Energy Gas’ overriding royalty interest in gas produced from all acreage. Dominion Energy Gas will receive total consideration of $130 million, with $65 million to be received by the end of the fourth quarter 2017 and $65 million to be received by the end of the third quarter of 2018 in connection with the final conveyance. As a result of this amendment in the third quarter of 2017, Dominion Energy Gas recognized a $56 million ($33 million after-tax) gain included in other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Energy Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the finalization of the contractual matters on previous conveyances. Additionally, Dominion Energy Gas is expected to recognize an approximately $9 million ($5 million after-tax) gain in the fourth quarter of 2017 associated with the elimination of its overriding royalty interest and an approximately $65 million ($40 million after-tax) gain associated with the final conveyance of acreage.

In November 2014, Dominion Energy Gas closed on an agreement with a natural gas producer to convey over time approximately 24,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights underneath one of its natural gas storage fields. In connection with that agreement, in January 2016, Dominion Energy Gas conveyed approximately 2,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights and received proceeds of $5 million and an overriding royalty interest in gas produced from the acreage. This transaction resulted in a $5 million ($3 million after-tax) gain, included in other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Energy Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income. In July 2016, in connection with the existing agreement, Dominion Energy Gas conveyed approximately 2,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights and received proceeds of $5 million and an overriding royalty interest in gas produced from the acreage. This transaction resulted in a $5 million ($3 million after-tax) gain, included in other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Energy Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income. In July 2017, in connection with the existing agreement, Dominion Energy Gas conveyed an additional approximately 2,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights and received proceeds of $5 million and an overriding royalty interest in gas produced from the acreage. This transaction resulted in a $5 million ($3 million after-tax) gain, included in other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Energy Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income.