XML 39 R25.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Variable-Interest Entities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Variable-Interest Entities [Abstract]  
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
(17)    Variable-Interest Entities

PacifiCorp holds an undivided interest in 50% of the Hermiston generating facility (refer to Note 4), dictates when the generating facility operates, procures 100% of the natural gas for the generating facility and subsequently receives 100% of the generated electricity, 50% of which is acquired through a long-term power purchase agreement. As a result, PacifiCorp holds a variable interest in the joint owner of the remaining 50% of the facility and is the primary beneficiary. PacifiCorp has been unable to obtain the information necessary to consolidate the entity because the entity has not agreed to supply the information due to the lack of a contractual obligation to do so. PacifiCorp continues to request from the entity the information necessary to perform the consolidation; however, no information has yet been provided by the entity. Cost of the electricity purchased from the joint owner was $38 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and $37 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The entity is operated by the equity owners and PacifiCorp has no risk of loss in relation to the entity in the event of a disaster.

PacifiCorp holds a two-thirds interest in Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating facility that is owned two-thirds by PacifiCorp and one-third by PacifiCorp's joint venture partner in Bridger Coal. PacifiCorp purchases two-thirds of the coal produced by Bridger Coal, while the remaining coal is purchased by the joint venture partner. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. Each joint venture partner is joint and severally liable for the obligations of Bridger Coal. Bridger Coal's necessary working capital to carry out its mining operations is financed by contributions from PacifiCorp and its joint venture partner. PacifiCorp's equity investment in Bridger Coal was $178 million and $187 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Refer to Note 18 for information regarding related-party transactions with Bridger Coal.