2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the 2017 Form 10-K. There were no material changes to those accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 other than those incorporated in Note 5, Note 13, and Note 16 relating to revenue, business combinations and goodwill, and discontinued operations, respectively. The following are current updates to certain critical accounting policy estimates and new accounting standards.

Industry Regulation

In applying regulatory accounting principles, NW Natural capitalizes or defers certain costs and revenues as regulatory assets and liabilities pursuant to orders of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC), Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) or Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), which provide for the recovery of revenues or expenses from, or refunds to, utility customers in future periods, including a return or a carrying charge in certain cases.

Amounts deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows:



	Regulatory Assets
	September 30,				December 31,
In thousands	2018		2017		2017
Current:
Unrealized loss on derivatives⁽¹⁾	$	8,828	$	8,887	$	18,712
Gas costs	461		1,851		154
Environmental costs⁽²⁾	5,633		6,362		6,198
Decoupling⁽³⁾	11,990		15,663		11,227
Income taxes	2,217		4,378		2,218
Other⁽⁴⁾	12,112		12,363		7,272
Total current	$	41,241	$	49,504	$	45,781
Non-current:
Unrealized loss on derivatives⁽¹⁾	$	3,016	$	3,926	$	4,649
Pension balancing⁽⁵⁾	72,291		57,599		60,383
Income taxes	19,267		36,591		19,991
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities	165,741		172,687		179,824
Environmental costs⁽²⁾	63,464		63,339		72,128
Gas costs	14		48		84
Decoupling⁽³⁾	829		1,025		3,970
Other⁽⁴⁾	9,295		10,137		15,579
Total non-current	$	333,917	$	345,352	$	356,608



	Regulatory Liabilities
	September 30,				December 31,
In thousands	2018		2017		2017
Current:
Gas costs	$	20,716	$	16,459	$	14,886
Unrealized gain on derivatives⁽¹⁾	2,862		2,020		1,674
Decoupling⁽³⁾	1,697		314		322
Other⁽⁴⁾	12,229		15,866		17,131
Total current	$	37,504	$	34,659	$	34,013
Non-current:
Gas costs	$	1,409	$	1,015	$	4,630
Unrealized gain on derivatives⁽¹⁾	861		1,555		1,306
Decoupling⁽³⁾	119		—		957
Income taxes⁽⁶⁾	223,841		—		213,306
Accrued asset removal costs⁽⁷⁾	375,257		356,106		360,929
Other⁽⁴⁾	4,688		5,162		4,965
Total non-current	$	606,175	$	363,838	$	586,093


⁽¹⁾	Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives are non-cash items and therefore, do not earn a rate of return or a carrying charge. These amounts are recoverable through utility rates as part of the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) mechanism when realized at settlement.


⁽²⁾	Refer to footnote (3) per the Deferred Regulatory Asset table in Note 15 for a description of environmental costs.


⁽³⁾	This deferral represents the margin adjustment resulting from differences between actual and expected volumes.


⁽⁴⁾	Balances consist of deferrals and amortizations under approved regulatory mechanisms and typically earn a rate of return or carrying charge.


⁽⁵⁾	Refer to footnote (1) of the Net Periodic Benefit Cost table in Note 8 for information regarding the deferral of pension expenses.


⁽⁶⁾	This balance represents estimated amounts associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See Note 9.


⁽⁷⁾	Estimated costs of removal on certain regulated properties are collected through rates.

We believe all costs incurred and deferred at September 30, 2018 are prudent. All regulatory assets and liabilities are reviewed annually for recoverability, or more often if circumstances warrant. If we should determine that all or a portion of these regulatory assets or liabilities no longer meet the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting, then NW Natural would be required to write-off the net unrecoverable balances in the period such determination is made.

New Accounting Standards

We consider the applicability and impact of all accounting standards updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on NW Natural's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

STOCK COMPENSATION. On May 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting." The purpose of the amendment is to provide clarity, reduce diversity in practice, and reduce the cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, related to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The amendments in this update were effective for NW Natural beginning January 1, 2018, and will be applied prospectively to any award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption did not have a material impact to financial statements or disclosures.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS. On March 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post Retirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires entities to disaggregate current service cost from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement. Additionally, the other components of net periodic benefit costs are to be presented elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations, if that subtotal is presented. Only the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. The amendments in this update were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018.

Upon adoption, the ASU required that changes to the income statement presentation of net periodic benefit cost be applied retrospectively, while changes to amounts capitalized must be applied prospectively. As such, the interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs, and other costs have been reclassified from operations and maintenance expense to other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. NW Natural did not elect the practical expedient which would have allowed us to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the pension and other postretirement benefits footnote disclosure as the basis for applying retrospective presentation. As mentioned above, on a prospective basis, the other components of net periodic benefit cost will not be eligible for capitalization, however, they will continue to be included in the pension regulatory balancing mechanism.

The retrospective presentation requirement related to the other components of net periodic benefit cost affected the operations and maintenance expense and other income (expense), net lines on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $1.4 million and $4.0 million of expense was reclassified from operations and maintenance expense and included in other income (expense), net, respectively.

GOODWILL. On January 26, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." The ASU removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and under the amended guidance an entity should perform its annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount in which the carrying amounts exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The amendments in this standard are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. NW Natural early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially affect the financial statements and disclosures.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS. On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The ASU adds guidance pertaining to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments on the statement of cash flows. The purpose of the amendment is to clarify issues that have been creating diversity in practice. The amendments in this standard were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact to financial statements or disclosures as NW Natural's historical practices and presentation were consistent with the directives of this ASU.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The ASU enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. The new standard was effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not materially impact financial statements or disclosures.

REVENUE RECOGNITION. On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts with Customers." The underlying principle of the guidance requires entities to recognize revenue depicting the transfer of goods or services to customers at amounts the entity is expected to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also prescribes a five-step approach to revenue recognition: (1) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract(s); (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied. The guidance also requires additional disclosures, both qualitative and quantitative, regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows.

The new accounting standard and all related amendments were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. NW Natural applied the accounting standard to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The new standard is primarily reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and Note 5. The implementation of the new revenue standard did not result in changes to how NW Natural currently recognizes revenue, and therefore, no cumulative effect or adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was required. The implementation did result in changes to the disclosures and presentation of revenue and expenses. The comparative information for prior years has not been restated. There is no material impact to financial results and no significant changes to NW Natural's control environment due to the adoption of the new revenue standard on an ongoing basis.

As previously discussed, the adoption of the new revenue standard did not impact the consolidated balance sheet or statement of cash flows but did result in changes to the presentation of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the adoption of the new revenue standard not occurred, operating revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 would have been $87.7 million and $458.7 million, compared to the reported amounts of $91.2 million and $479.4 million under the new revenue standard, respectively. Similarly, absent the impact of the new revenue standard, operating expenses would have been $93.9 million and $388.8 million, compared to the reported amounts of $97.4 million and $409.5 million under the new revenue standard for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The effect of the change was an increase in both operating revenues and operating expenses of $3.5 million and $20.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, due to the change in presentation of revenue taxes. As part of the adoption of the new revenue standard, we evaluated the presentation of revenue taxes under the new guidance and across NW Natural's peer group and concluded that the gross presentation of revenue taxes provides the greatest level of consistency and transparency. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard, a portion of revenue taxes was presented net in operating revenues and a portion was recorded directly on the balance sheet. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, NW Natural recognized $3.5 million and $20.7 million in revenue taxes in operating revenues and operating expenses, respectively. In comparison, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, NW Natural recognized $3.7 million and $23.0 million in revenue taxes, of which $2.3 million and $13.3 million were recorded in operating revenues and $1.4 million and $9.7 million were recorded on the balance sheet, respectively. The change in presentation of revenue taxes had no impact on utility margin, net income or earnings per share.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

CLOUD COMPUTING. On August 29, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." The purpose of the amendment is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amended guidance can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS. On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, "Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." The purpose of the amendment is to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance should be applied retrospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on disclosures.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT. On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." The purpose of the amendment is to modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on disclosures.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This update was issued in response to concerns from certain stakeholders regarding the current requirements under U.S. GAAP that deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for a change in tax laws or rates, and the effect is to be included in income from continuing operations in the period of the enactment date. This requirement is also applicable to items in accumulated other comprehensive income where the related tax effects were originally recognized in other comprehensive income. The adjustment of deferred taxes due to the new corporate income tax rate enacted through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on December 22, 2017 recognized in income from continuing operations causes the tax effects of items within accumulated other comprehensive income (referred to as stranded tax effects) to not reflect the appropriate tax rate. The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA and require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019, and should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in the TCJA is recognized. The reclassification allowed in this update is elective, and we are currently assessing whether NW Natural will make the reclassification. This update is not expected to have a material impact on financial condition.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING. On August 28, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The purpose of the amendment is to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies. The ASU amends the accounting for risk component hedging, the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, and amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance also amends the recognition and presentation of the effect of hedging instruments and includes other simplifications of hedge accounting. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required prospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures.

LEASES. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which revises the existing lease accounting guidance. Pursuant to the new standard, lessees will be required to recognize all leases, including operating leases that are greater than 12 months at lease commencement, on the balance sheet and record corresponding right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Lessor accounting will remain substantially the same under the new standard. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures are also required for users of the financial statements to have a clear understanding of the nature of NW Natural's leasing activities. On November 29, 2017, the FASB proposed an additional practical expedient that would allow entities to apply the transition requirements on the effective date of the standard. Additionally, on January 25, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, "Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842", to address the costs and complexity of applying the transition provisions of the new lease standard to land easements. This ASU provides an optional practical expedient to not evaluate existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under the current lease guidance. The standard and associated ASUs are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently assessing NW Natural's lease population and material contracts to determine the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures. Refer to Note 14 of the 2017 Form 10-K for NW Natural's current lease commitments.