12. INVESTMENTS

Investments include financial investments in life insurance policies, which are accounted for at cash surrender value, net of policy loans, and equity investments in certain partnerships and limited liability companies, which are accounted for under the equity method. The following table summarizes our other investments at December 31:



In thousands	2016		2015
Investments in life insurance policies	$	52,719	$	52,308
Investments in gas pipeline	13,767		13,866
Other	1,890		1,892
Total other investments	$	68,376	$	68,066

Investment in Life Insurance Policies

We have invested in key person life insurance contracts to provide an indirect funding vehicle for certain long-term employee and director benefit plan liabilities. The amount in the above table is reported at cash surrender value, net of policy loans.

Investments in Gas Pipeline

TWP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TWH, is pursuing the development of a new gas transmission pipeline that would provide an interconnection with our utility distribution system. NWN Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Natural, owns 50% of TWH, and 50% is owned by TransCanada American Investments Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation.

VIE Analysis

TWH is a VIE, with our investment in TWP reported under equity method accounting. We have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of TWH’s activities as we only have a 50% share of the entity and there are no stipulations that allow us a disproportionate influence over it. Our investments in TWH and TWP are included in other investments on our balance sheet. If we do not develop this investment, then our maximum loss exposure related to TWH is limited to our equity investment balance, less our share of any cash or other assets available to us as a 50% owner. Our investment balance in TWH was $13.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Impairment Analysis

Our investments in nonconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method are reviewed for impairment at each reporting period and following updates to our corporate planning assumptions. If it is determined a loss in value is other than temporary, a charge is recognized for the difference between the investment’s carrying value and its estimated fair value. Fair value is based on quoted market prices when available or on the present value of expected future cash flows. Differing assumptions could affect the timing and amount of a charge recorded in any period.

In 2011, TWP withdrew its original application with the FERC for a proposed natural gas pipeline in Oregon and informed FERC that it intended to re-file an application to reflect changes in the project scope aligning the project with the region’s current and future gas infrastructure needs. TWP continues working with customers in the Pacific Northwest to further understand their gas transportation needs and determine the commercial support for a revised pipeline proposal. A new FERC certificate application is expected to be filed to reflect a revised scope based on these regional needs.

Our equity investment was not impaired at December 31, 2016 as the fair value of expected cash flows from planned development exceeded our remaining equity investment of $13.4 million at December 31, 2016. However, if we learn that the project is not viable or will not go forward, then we could be required to recognize a maximum charge of up to approximately $13.4 million based on the current amount of our equity investment, net of cash and working capital at TWP. We will continue to monitor and update our impairment analysis as required.