Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued

Credit Losses — In 2016, the FASB issued Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 326 (ASC Topic 326), which changes how entities account for losses on receivables and certain other assets. The guidance requires use of a current expected credit loss model, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous accounting standards. ASC Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2019, and will be applied using a modified-retrospective approach, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of Jan. 1, 2020. NSP-Wisconsin expects the impact of adoption of the new standard to include first-time recognition of expected credit losses (i.e., bad debt expense) on unbilled revenues, with the initial allowance established at Jan. 1, 2020 charged to retained earnings. Recognition of this allowance and other impacts of adoption are expected to be immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted

Leases — In 2016, the FASB issued Leases, Topic 842 (ASC Topic 842), which provides new accounting and disclosure guidance for leasing activities, most significantly requiring that operating leases be recognized on the balance sheet. NSP-Wisconsin adopted the guidance on Jan. 1, 2019 utilizing the package of transition practical expedients provided by the new standard, including carrying forward prior conclusions on whether agreements existing before the adoption date contain leases and whether existing leases are operating or finance leases; ASC Topic 842 refers to capital leases as finance leases.

Specifically for land easement contracts, NSP-Wisconsin has elected the practical expedient provided by ASU No. 2018-01 Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, and as a result, only those easement contracts entered on or after Jan. 1, 2019 will be evaluated to determine if lease treatment is appropriate.

NSP-Wisconsin also utilized the transition practical expedient offered by ASU No. 2018-11 Leases: Targeted Improvements to implement the standard on a prospective basis. As a result, reporting periods in the consolidated financial statements beginning Jan. 1, 2019 reflect the implementation of ASC Topic 842, while prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with Leases, Topic 840 (ASC Topic 840). The impact of implementing ASC Topic 842 on NSP-Wisconsin's financial statements was insignificant; no amounts were recorded to the consolidated balance sheet as a result of its adoption.