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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract] 
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

9.       FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments:

 

Preferred Stock, Long-Term Debt and Rate Reduction Bonds: The fair value of CL&P's preferred stock is based upon pricing models that incorporate interest rates and other market factors, valuations or trades of similar securities and cash flow projections. The fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt securities and RRBs is based upon pricing models that incorporate quoted market prices for those issues or similar issues adjusted for market conditions, credit ratings of the respective companies and treasury benchmark yields. Adjustable rate securities are assumed to have a fair value equal to their carrying value. Carrying amounts and estimated fair values are as follows:

  As of September 30, 2011
  NU CL&P PSNH WMECO
  Carrying Fair  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
(Millions of Dollars) Amount Value Amount Value Amount Value Amount Value
Preferred Stock Not                       
 Subject to Mandatory                       
 Redemption$ 116.2 $ 102.0 $ 116.2 $ 102.0 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Long-Term Debt  4,950.6   5,512.3   2,587.8   2,977.8   999.5   1,069.3   501.0   535.1
Rate Reduction Bonds  130.4   135.9   -   -   99.4   103.3   31.0   32.6

  As of December 31, 2010
  NU CL&P PSNH WMECO
  Carrying Fair  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
(Millions of Dollars) Amount Value Amount Value Amount Value Amount Value
Preferred Stock Not                       
 Subject to Mandatory                       
 Redemption$ 116.2 $ 93.7 $ 116.2 $ 93.7 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Long-Term Debt  4,692.4   5,043.8   2,587.5   2,816.7   837.3   871.4   401.0   417.0
Rate Reduction Bonds  181.6   193.3   -   -   138.2   146.9   43.3   46.4

Derivative Instruments: NU, including CL&P and PSNH, holds various derivative instruments that are carried at fair value. For further information, see Note 4, "Derivative Instruments," to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Other Financial Instruments: Investments in marketable securities are carried at fair value on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. For further information, see Note 5, "Marketable Securities," to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The carrying value of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents and special deposits, approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.