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Employee Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans

Domestic Operations

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover a majority of all employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries. These pension plans include noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") and restoration plans. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy also provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits through various plans to eligible retirees.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is generally calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Service cost$22 $30 $17 $11 $12 $
Interest cost83 78 93 20 19 21 
Expected return on plan assets(108)(134)(140)(29)(22)(34)
Curtailment(10)— — — — — 
Settlement17 — — — — 
Net amortization19 25 32 (1)(3)(4)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$23 $$$$$(10)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,795 $2,824 $769 $744 
Employer contributions14 13 14 
Participant contributions— — 
Actual return on plan assets(491)234 (122)53 
Settlement(164)(134)— — 
Benefits paid (141)(142)(49)(51)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,013 $2,795 $614 $769 
The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,777 $3,077 $714 $758 
Service cost22 30 11 12 
Interest cost83 78 20 19 
Participant contributions— — 
Actuarial (gain) loss(524)(132)(155)(35)
Amendment(3)— 20 
Curtailment(10)— — — 
Settlement(164)(134)— — 
Benefits paid(141)(142)(49)(51)
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,040 $2,777 $569 $714 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$2,003 $2,713 

The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,013 $2,795 $614 $769 
Benefit obligation, end of year2,040 2,777 569 714 
Funded status$(27)$18 $45 $55 
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets$125 $204 $52 $60 
Other current liabilities(13)(13)— — 
Other long-term liabilities(139)(173)(7)(5)
Amounts recognized$(27)$18 $45 $55 

The SERPs and restoration plan have no plan assets; however, the Company has Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERPs and restoration plan. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $300 million and $343 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The fair value of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for (1) pension and other postretirement benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets and (2) pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Fair value of plan assets$490 $— $240 $137 
Projected benefit obligation$643 $186 $247 $142 
Fair value of plan assets$— $— 
Accumulated benefit obligation$142 $185 

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Net loss (gain)$365 $343 $(38)$(34)
Prior service (credit) cost(4)(1)21 (1)
Regulatory deferrals29 11 
Total$390 $353 $(16)$(33)

A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in millions):
Accumulated
Other
RegulatoryRegulatoryComprehensive
AssetLiabilityLossTotal
Pension
Balance, December 31, 2020$600 $(20)$33 $613 
Net gain arising during the year(177)(44)(10)(231)
Settlement(9)— (4)
Net amortization(24)— (1)(25)
Total(210)(39)(11)(260)
Balance, December 31, 2021390 (59)22 353 
Net loss (gain) arising during the year58 38 (20)76 
Net prior service credit arising during the year— (3)— (3)
Settlement(13)(4)— (17)
Net amortization(17)— (2)(19)
Total28 31 (22)37 
Balance, December 31, 2022$418 $(28)$— $390 
Accumulated
Other
RegulatoryRegulatoryComprehensive
AssetLiabilityLossTotal
Other Postretirement
Balance, December 31, 2020$47 $(23)$$28 
Net gain arising during the year(40)(22)(3)(65)
Net prior service cost arising during the year— — 
Net amortization— — 
Total(36)(22)(3)(61)
Balance, December 31, 202111 (45)(33)
Net loss (gain) arising during the year20 (20)(4)(4)
Net prior service cost arising during the year11 20 
Net amortization(2)— 
Total34 (14)(3)17 
Balance, December 31, 2022$45 $(59)$(2)$(16)

Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Benefit obligations as of December 31:
Discount rate5.65 %2.98 %2.60 %4.54 %2.95 %2.59 %
Rate of compensation increase3.00 %2.75 %2.75 %N/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan
2020N/AN/A2.44 %N/AN/AN/A
2021N/A2.45 %2.25 %N/AN/AN/A
20223.25 %2.56 %2.25 %N/AN/AN/A
20234.25 %2.56 %2.65 %N/AN/AN/A
20244.25 %2.83 %2.65 %N/AN/AN/A
2025 and beyond
3.65 %2.83 %2.65 %N/AN/AN/A
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
Discount rate2.98 %2.60 %3.32 %2.95 %2.59 %3.24 %
Expected return on plan assets4.30 %5.39 %5.94 %4.20 %3.35 %5.42 %
Rate of compensation increase2.75 %2.75 %2.75 %N/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plan3.25 %2.45 %2.44 %N/AN/AN/A

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
20222021
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.50 %6.00 %
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to 5.00 %5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at20282025

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $13 million and $7 million, respectively, during 2023. Funding to the established pension trusts is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plans and the requirements of the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company evaluates a variety of factors, including funded status, income tax laws and regulatory requirements, in determining contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans.

The expected benefit payments to participants in the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2023 through 2027 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
Projected Benefit
Payments
Other
PensionPostretirement
2023$192 $53 
2024184 53 
2025180 53 
2026177 52 
2027172 52 
2028-2032782 235 

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The Company's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment consultants to advise on plan investments within the parameters outlined by the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Investment Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.
The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2022:
Other
PensionPostretirement
%%
PacifiCorp:
Debt securities(1)
73
77
Equity securities(1)
22
23
Limited partnership interests
5
0
MidAmerican Energy:
Debt securities(1)
40-70
20-40
Equity securities(1)
35-60
60-80
Other
0-15
0-5
NV Energy:
Debt securities(1)
65-80
68-89
Equity securities(1)
20-35
11-32

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.
Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
Level 1Level 2Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$— $51 $51 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations109 — 109 
Corporate obligations— 613 613 
Municipal obligations— 43 43 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 81 81 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies198 — 198 
International companies— 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$308 $788 1,096 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
885 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
32 
Total assets measured at fair value$2,013 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$— $64 $64 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations142 — 142 
Corporate obligations— 912 912 
Municipal obligations— 66 66 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 93 93 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies135 — 135 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$277 $1,135 1,412 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
1,349 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
34 
Total assets measured at fair value$2,795 

(1)Refer to Note 15 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 53% and 47%, respectively, for 2022 and 54% and 46%, respectively, for 2021. Additionally, these funds are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 95% and 5%, respectively, for 2022 and 89% and 11%, respectively, for 2021.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.
The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
Level 1Level 2Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$15 $$24 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations— 
Corporate obligations— 52 52 
Municipal obligations— 35 35 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 49 49 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies— 
Investment funds(2)
307 — 307 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$337 $145 482 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
132 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
— 
Total assets measured at fair value$614 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$12 $$16 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations27 — 27 
Corporate obligations— 85 85 
Municipal obligations— 43 43 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 38 38 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies— 
Investment funds(2)
394 — 394 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$437 $170 607 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
161 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
Total assets measured at fair value$769 

(1)Refer to Note 15 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 55% and 45%, respectively, for 2022 and 55% and 45%, respectively, for 2021. Additionally, these funds are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 88% and 12%, respectively, for 2022 and 88% and 12%, respectively, for 2021.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.
Foreign Operations

Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Northern Powergrid participate in the Northern Powergrid group of the United Kingdom industry-wide Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (the "UK Plan"), which provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable pay, to the employees of Northern Powergrid. The UK Plan is closed to employees hired after July 23, 1997. Employees hired after that date are covered by a defined contribution plan sponsored by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Powergrid.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by including the difference between expected and actual investment returns after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the UK Plan included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

202220212020
Service cost$14 $16 $16 
Interest cost35 31 40 
Expected return on plan assets(92)(111)(101)
Settlement— 10 17 
Net amortization24 55 43 
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost$(19)$$15 
    
Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
20222021
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,363 $2,334 
Employer contributions15 28 
Participant contributions
Actual return on plan assets(671)148 
Settlement— (51)
Benefits paid(109)(72)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(236)(25)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,363 $2,363 
The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
20222021
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,003 $2,205 
Service cost14 16 
Interest cost35 31 
Participant contributions
Actuarial gain(596)(105)
Settlement— (51)
Amendment27 — 
Benefits paid(109)(72)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(200)(22)
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,175 $2,003 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,060 $1,778 

The funded status of the UK Plan and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
20222021
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,363 $2,363 
Benefit obligation, end of year1,175 2,003 
Funded status$188 $360 
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets$188 $360 

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the UK Plan not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
20222021
Net loss$499 $400 
Prior service cost30 
Total$529 $405 
A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
20222021
Balance, beginning of year$405 $618 
Net loss (gain) arising during the year167 (143)
Net prior service cost arising during the year27 — 
Settlement— (10)
Net amortization(24)(55)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(46)(5)
Total 124 (213)
Balance, end of year$529 $405 

Plan Assumptions

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
202220212020
Benefit obligations as of December 31:
Discount rate4.80 %1.95 %1.40 %
Rate of compensation increase3.20 %3.45 %3.05 %
Rate of future price inflation2.95 %2.95 %2.55 %
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
Discount rate1.95 %1.40 %2.10 %
Expected return on plan assets4.40 %4.85 %5.00 %
Rate of compensation increase3.45 %3.05 %3.30 %
Rate of future price inflation2.95 %2.55 %2.80 %
    
Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the UK Plan are expected to be £11 million during 2023. The expected benefit payments to participants in the UK Plan for 2023 through 2027 and for the five years thereafter, excluding lump sum settlement elections and using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2022, are summarized below (in millions):
2023$67 
202469 
202570 
202672 
202774 
2028-2032398 
    
Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The investment policy for the UK Plan is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities, real estate and other asset classes. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The UK Plan retains outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters set by the trustees of the UK Plan in consultation with Northern Powergrid. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments. The return on assets assumption is based on a weighted-average of the expected historical performance for the types of assets in which the UK Plan invests.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the UK Plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2022:
%
Debt securities(1)
60-70
Equity securities(1)
10-20
Real estate funds and other
15-25

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds have been allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of the UK Plan assets, by major category (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$$29 $— $30 
Debt securities:
United Kingdom government obligations711 — — 711 
Equity securities:
Investment funds(2)
— 312 — 312 
Real estate funds— — 214 214 
Total$712 $341 $214 1,267 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
96 
Total assets measured at fair value$1,363 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$$27 $— $32 
Debt securities:
United Kingdom government obligations1,308 — — 1,308 
Equity securities:
Investment funds(2)
— 646 — 646 
Real estate funds— — 269 269 
Total$1,313 $673 $269 2,255 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
108 
Total assets measured at fair value$2,363 

(1)Refer to Note 15 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 25% and 75%, respectively, for 2022 and 23% and 77%, respectively, for 2021.
The fair value of the UK Plan's assets are determined similar to the plan assets of the domestic plans as previously discussed.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the UK Plan assets measured at fair value using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Real Estate Funds
202220212020
Beginning balance$269 $237 $243 
Actual return on plan assets still held at period end (27)35 (13)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(28)(3)
Ending balance$214 $269 $237 

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions vary depending on the plan, but matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. The Company's contributions to these plans were $159 million, $137 million and $127 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
PAC  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover certain of its employees, as well as a defined contribution 401(k) employee savings plan ("401(k) Plan"). In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan and a subsidiary previously contributed to a multiemployer pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units.

Defined Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp's pension plans include non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, collectively the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan"), and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The Retirement Plan is closed to all non-union employees hired after January 1, 2008. All non-union Retirement Plan participants hired prior to January 1, 2008 that did not elect to receive equivalent fixed contributions to the 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2009 earned benefits based on a cash balance formula through December 31, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, non-union employee participants with a cash balance benefit in the Retirement Plan are no longer eligible to receive pay credits in their cash balance formula. In general for union employees, benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen at various dates from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2011 as they are now being provided with enhanced 401(k) Plan benefits. However, certain limited union Retirement Plan participants continue to earn benefits under the Retirement Plan based on the employee's years of service and a final average pay formula. The SERP was closed to new participants as of March 21, 2006 and froze future accruals for active participants as of December 31, 2014.

PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit plan provides healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees.

Pension Settlement

Pension settlement accounting was triggered in 2022 and 2021 as a result of the amount of lump sum distributions in the Retirement Plan exceeding the service and interest cost threshold. The 2021 pension settlement accounting included an interim July 31, 2021 remeasurement of the pension plan assets and projected benefit obligation. As a result of the settlement accounting, PacifiCorp recognized settlement losses of $6 million, net of regulatory deferrals during each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Service cost$— $— $— $$$
Interest cost29 29 36 
Expected return on plan assets(42)(51)(56)(11)(9)(14)
Settlement(1)
— — — — 
Net amortization16 21 18 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$$$(2)$— $$— 

(1)Pension amounts represent settlement losses of $24 million and $15 million net of deferrals of $18 million and $9 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,058 $1,064 $324 $327 
Employer contributions(1)
— 
Participant contributions— — 
Actual (loss) return on plan assets(172)109 (42)14 
Settlement(2)
(67)(52)— — 
Benefits paid(65)(68)(23)(24)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$758 $1,058 $264 $324 

(1)Pension amounts represent employer contributions to the SERP.
(2)Benefits paid in the form of lump sum distributions that gave rise to the settlement accounting described above.

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,048 $1,202 $288 $307 
Service cost
— — 
Interest cost
29 29 
Participant contributions— — 
Actuarial gain(199)(63)(61)(10)
Settlement(1)
(67)(52)— — 
Benefits paid(65)(68)(23)(24)
Benefit obligation, end of year$746 $1,048 $219 $288 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$746 $1,048 

(1)Benefits paid in the form of lump sum distributions that gave rise to the settlement accounting described above.
The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$758 $1,058 $264 $324 
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year
746 1,048 219 288 
Funded status$12 $10 $45 $36 
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets$53 $63 $45 $36 
Accrued employee expenses(4)(4)— — 
Other long-term liabilities(37)(49)— — 
Amounts recognized$12 $10 $45 $36 

The SERP has no plan assets; however, PacifiCorp has a Rabbi trust that holds corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trust, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $61 million and $69 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in noncurrent other assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The projected and accumulated benefit obligations for the SERP were $42 million and $54 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of the plan assets for the Retirement Plan was in excess of both the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Net loss (gain)$273 $298 $(36)$(28)
Regulatory deferrals(1)
29 11 
Total$302 $309 $(35)$(26)

(1)Pension amounts represent the unamortized portion of deferred settlement losses.
A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in millions):
Accumulated
Other
RegulatoryComprehensive
AssetLossTotal
Pension
Balance, December 31, 2020$432 $25 $457 
Net gain arising during the year(120)(1)(121)
Net amortization(20)(1)(21)
Settlement(6)— (6)
Total(146)(2)(148)
Balance, December 31, 2021286 23 309 
Net loss (gain) arising during the year24 (9)15 
Net amortization(14)(2)(16)
Settlement(6)— (6)
Total(11)(7)
Balance, December 31, 2022$290 $12 $302 

Regulatory
Liability
Other Postretirement
Balance, December 31, 2020$(10)
Net gain arising during the year(15)
Net amortization(1)
Total(16)
Balance, December 31, 2021(26)
Net gain arising during the year(8)
Net amortization(1)
Total(9)
Balance, December 31, 2022$(35)
Plan Assumptions

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Benefit obligations as of December 31:
Discount rate5.55 %2.90 %2.50 %5.50 %2.90 %2.50 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan - non-union
2020N/AN/A2.27 %N/AN/AN/A
2021N/A0.82 %0.82 %N/AN/AN/A
20220.88 %0.88 %0.82 %N/AN/AN/A
20234.73 %0.88 %2.00 %N/AN/AN/A
20244.73 %1.90 %2.00 %N/AN/AN/A
2025 and beyond2.60 %1.90 %2.00 %N/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan - union
2020N/AN/A2.16 %N/AN/AN/A
2021N/A1.42 %1.42 %N/AN/AN/A
20221.94 %1.94 %1.42 %N/AN/AN/A
20233.55 %1.94 %2.40 %N/AN/AN/A
20243.55 %2.30 %2.40 %N/AN/AN/A
2025 and beyond2.40 %2.30 %2.40 %N/AN/AN/A
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
Discount rate2.90 %2.50 %3.25 %2.90 %2.50 %3.20 %
Expected return on plan assets4.70 6.00 6.50 3.44 2.90 4.92 

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.

As a result of a plan amendment effective on January 1, 2017, the benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan is no longer affected by future increases in compensation. As a result of a labor settlement reached with UMWA in December 2014, the benefit obligation for the other postretirement plan is no longer affected by healthcare cost trends.

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $4 million and $— million, respectively, during 2023. Funding to PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended ("PPA of 2006"). PacifiCorp considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the PPA of 2006. PacifiCorp evaluates a variety of factors, including funded status, income tax laws and regulatory requirements, in determining contributions to its other postretirement benefit plan.
The expected benefit payments to participants in PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2023 through 2027 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
Projected Benefit Payments
PensionOther Postretirement
2023$76 $23 
202473 22 
202570 21 
202667 20 
202764 20 
2028-2032277 87 

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

PacifiCorp's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment consultants to advise on plan investments within the parameters outlined by the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Investment Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

In 2020, the assets of the PacifiCorp Master Retirement Trust were transferred into the BHE Master Retirement Trust.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2022:
Pension(1)
Other Postretirement(1)
%%
Debt securities(2)
73
77
Equity securities(2)
22
23
Other
5
0

(1)The trust in which the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan is invested includes a separate account that is used to fund benefits for the other postretirement benefit plan. In addition to this separate account, the assets for the other postretirement benefit plan are held in Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association ("VEBA") trusts, each of which has its own investment allocation strategies. Target allocations for the other postretirement benefit plan include the separate account of the Retirement Plan trust and the VEBA trusts.
(2)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.
Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
Level 1(1)
Level 2(1)
Level 3(1)
Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$— $10 $— $10 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations41 — — 41 
Corporate obligations— 211 — 211 
Municipal obligations— 15 — 15 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 34 — 34 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies69 — — 69 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$110 $270 $— $380 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
346 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
32 
Investments at fair value$758 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$— $15 $— $15 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations51 — — 51 
Corporate obligations— 299 — 299 
Municipal obligations— 22 — 22 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 38 — 38 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies61 — — 61 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$112 $374 $— $486 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
538 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
34 
Investments at fair value$1,058 

(1)Refer to Note 13 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 50% and 50%, respectively, for 2022 and 59% and 41%, respectively, for 2021, and are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 90% and 10%, respectively, for 2022 and 84% and 16%, respectively, for 2021.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate.
The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit other postretirement plan (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
Level 1(1)
Level 2(1)
Level 3(1)
Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash and cash equivalents$$$— $10 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations— — 
Corporate obligations— 49 — 49 
Municipal obligations— 13 — 13 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 47 — 47 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies— — 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$18 $114 $— 132 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
132 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
— 
Investments at fair value$264 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash and cash equivalents$$$— $
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations24 — — 24 
Corporate obligations— 79 — 79 
Municipal obligations— 15 — 15 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 35 — 35 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies— — 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$32 $130 $— 162 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
161 
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
Investments at fair value$324 

(1)Refer to Note 13 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 41% and 59%, respectively, for 2022 and 39% and 61%, respectively, for 2021, and are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 91% and 9%, respectively, for 2022 and 90% and 10%, respectively, for 2021.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.

Multiemployer and Joint Trustee Pension Plans

PacifiCorp contributes to the PacifiCorp/IBEW Local 57 Retirement Trust Fund ("Local 57 Trust Fund") (plan number 001) and its subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, previously contributed to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan (plan number 002). Contributions to these pension plans are based on the terms of collective bargaining agreements.
As a result of the Utah Mine Disposition and UMWA labor settlement, PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, triggered involuntary withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp recorded its estimate of the withdrawal obligation in December 2014 when withdrawal was considered probable and deferred the portion of the obligation considered probable of recovery to a regulatory asset. PacifiCorp has subsequently revised its estimate due to changes in facts and circumstances for a withdrawal occurring by July 2015. As communicated in a letter received in August 2016, the plan trustees determined a withdrawal liability of $115 million. Energy West Mining Company began making installment payments in November 2016 and has the option to elect a lump sum payment to settle the withdrawal obligation. The ultimate amount paid by Energy West Mining Company to settle the obligation is dependent on a variety of factors, including the results of ongoing negotiations with the plan trustees.

The Local 57 Trust Fund is a joint trustee plan such that the board of trustees is represented by an equal number of trustees from PacifiCorp and the union. The Local 57 Trust Fund was established pursuant to the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act and although formed with the ability for other employers to participate in the plan, there are no other employers that participate in this plan.

The risk of participating in multiemployer pension plans generally differs from single-employer plans in that assets are pooled such that contributions by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and plan assets cannot revert to employers. If an employer ceases participation in the plan, the employer may be obligated to pay a withdrawal liability based on the participants' unfunded, vested benefits in the plan. This occurred as a result of Energy West Mining Company's withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

The following table presents PacifiCorp's participation in individually significant joint trustee and multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31 (dollars in millions):
PPA of 2006 zone status or
plan funded status percentage for
plan years beginning July 1,
Contributions
Plan nameEmployer Identification Number202220212020Funding improvement planSurcharge imposed under PPA of 2006202220212020Year contributions to plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions
Local 57 Trust Fund87-0640888
At least
80%
At least 80%
At least 80%
NoneNone$$$2022, 2021, 2020

PacifiCorp's minimum contributions to the Local 57 Trust Fund are based on the amount of wages paid to employees covered by the Local 57 Trust Fund collective bargaining agreements, subject to ERISA minimum funding requirements. The collective bargaining agreements governing the Local 57 Trust Fund that were due to expire in 2023 were extended to 2028 in December 2022.

Defined Contribution Plan

PacifiCorp's 401(k) Plan covers substantially all employees. PacifiCorp's matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution and, as of January 1, 2022, all participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. PacifiCorp's contributions to the 401(k) Plan were $44 million, $40 million and $41 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
MEC  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan

MidAmerican Energy sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering a majority of all employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries other than PacifiCorp and NV Energy, Inc. Benefit obligations under the plan are based on a cash balance arrangement for salaried employees and most union employees and final average pay formulas for other union employees. MidAmerican Energy also maintains noncontributory, nonqualified defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") for certain active and retired participants. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the defined benefit pension plan recorded a settlement loss of $4 million and a settlement gain of $5 million, respectively, for previously unrecognized losses and gains as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold. In 2022, the defined benefit pension plan recorded a curtailment gain of $10 million as a result of certain plan amendments.

MidAmerican Energy also sponsors certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits covering substantially all retired employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries other than PacifiCorp and NV Energy, Inc. Under the plans, a majority of all employees of the participating companies may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age. New employees are not eligible for benefits under the plans. MidAmerican Energy has been allowed to recover accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs in its electric and gas service rates.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns on equity investments over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

MidAmerican Energy bills to and is reimbursed currently for affiliates' share of the net periodic benefit costs from all plans in which such affiliates participate. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, MidAmerican Energy's share of the pension net periodic benefit (credit) cost was $(2) million, $(20) million and $(13) million, respectively. MidAmerican Energy's share of the other postretirement net periodic benefit (credit) cost in 2022, 2021 and 2020 totaled $(2) million, $1 million and $(5) million, respectively.
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the plans of MidAmerican Energy and the aforementioned affiliates included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Service cost$15 $20 $$$$
Interest cost23 22 25 
Expected return on plan assets(27)(37)(40)(14)(10)(14)
Curtailment(10)— — — — — 
Settlement(5)— — — — 
Net amortization(2)(4)(5)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$$$(6)$— $$(8)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$704 $718 $308 $278 
Employer contributions10 
Participant contributions— — 
Actual return on plan assets(130)58 (58)34 
Settlement(57)(46)— — 
Benefits paid(34)(34)(14)(15)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$490 $704 $240 $308 

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$781 $845 $285 $304 
Service cost15 20 
Interest cost23 22 
Participant contributions— — 
Actuarial (gain) loss(129)(25)(64)(18)
Amendment(3)— 19 
Curtailment(10)— — — 
Settlement(57)(46)— — 
Acquisition— (1)— (5)
Benefits paid(34)(34)(14)(15)
Benefit obligation, end of year$586 $781 $243 $285 
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$551 $721 
The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$490 $704 $240 $308 
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year586 781 243 285 
Funded status$(96)$(77)$(3)$23 
Amounts recognized on the Balance Sheets:
Other assets$— $34 $— $23 
Other current liabilities(8)(7)— — 
Other long-term liabilities(88)(104)(3)— 
Amounts recognized$(96)$(77)$(3)$23 

The SERP has no plan assets; however, MidAmerican Energy and BHE have Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in MidAmerican Energy's Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $134 million and $143 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in investments and restricted investments on the Balance Sheets. The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the SERP was $85 million and $85 million for 2022 and $111 million and $111 million for 2021, respectively.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
PensionOther Postretirement
2022202120222021
Net loss (gain)$(4)$(25)$11 $
Prior service cost (credit)(3)— 19 (3)
Total$(7)$(25)$30 $(1)

MidAmerican Energy sponsors pension and other postretirement benefit plans on behalf of certain of its affiliates in addition to itself, and therefore, the portion of the funded status of the respective plans that has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost is attributable to multiple entities. Additionally, substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's portion of such amounts is either refundable to or recoverable from its customers and is reflected as regulatory liabilities and regulatory assets.
A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in millions):
Regulatory
Asset
Regulatory
Liability
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
Total
Pension
Balance, December 31, 2020$21 $(20)$17 $18 
Net loss (gain) arising during the year(40)(9)(47)
Settlement— — 
Net amortization(1)— — (1)
Total(35)(9)(43)
Balance, December 31, 202122 (55)(25)
Net loss (gain) arising during the year(7)58 (25)26 
Net prior service cost (credit) arising during the year— — (3)(3)
Settlement— (4)— (4)
Net amortization(1)— — (1)
Total(8)54 (28)18 
Balance, December 31, 2022$14 $(1)$(20)$(7)


Regulatory
Asset
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
Total
Other Postretirement
Balance, December 31, 2020$45 $(9)$36 
Net loss (gain) arising during the year(29)(13)(42)
Net prior service cost (credit) arising during the year— 
Net amortization
Total(25)(12)(37)
Balance, December 31, 202120 (21)(1)
Net loss (gain) arising during the year10 (1)
Net prior service cost (credit) arising during the year— 19 19 
Net amortization— 
Total13 18 31 
Balance, December 31, 2022$33 $(3)$30 
Plan Assumptions

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
PensionOther Postretirement
202220212020202220212020
Benefit obligations as of December 31:
Discount rate5.70 %3.05 %2.75 %5.60 %2.95 %2.65 %
Rate of compensation increase3.00 %2.75 %2.75 %N/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan
2020N/AN/A2.27 %N/AN/AN/A
2021N/A1.19 %0.99 %N/AN/AN/A
20223.74 %1.19 %0.99 %N/AN/AN/A
20233.74 %1.19 %0.99 %N/AN/AN/A
20243.74 %1.19 %0.99 %N/AN/AN/A
2025 and beyond3.74 %1.19 %0.99 %N/AN/AN/A
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
Discount rate3.05 %2.75 %3.40 %2.95 %2.65 %3.20 %
Expected return on plan assets(1)
4.30 %5.60 %6.25 %5.30 %4.00 %6.00 %
Rate of compensation increase2.75 %2.75 %2.75 %N/AN/AN/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan3.74 %1.19 %2.27 %N/AN/AN/A
(1)Amounts reflected are pretax values. Assumed after-tax returns for a taxable, non-union other postretirement plan were 4.21% for 2022, 2.39% for 2021 and 4.62% for 2020.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, MidAmerican Energy utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
20222021
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.50 %5.90 %
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00 %5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at20282025
Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $7 million and $2 million, respectively, during 2022. Funding to MidAmerican Energy's qualified pension benefit plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. MidAmerican Energy considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. MidAmerican Energy evaluates a variety of factors, including funded status, income tax laws and regulatory requirements, in determining contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans.

Net periodic benefit costs assigned to MidAmerican Energy affiliates are reimbursed currently in accordance with its intercompany administrative services agreement. The expected benefit payments to participants in MidAmerican Energy's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2023 through 2027 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
Projected Benefit Payments
PensionOther Postretirement
2023$59 $21 
202454 22 
202553 23 
202653 23 
202751 23 
2028-2032231 105 

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

MidAmerican Energy's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment consultants to advise on plan investments within the parameters outlined by the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Investment Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for MidAmerican Energy's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2022:
Pension
Other
Postretirement
%%
Debt securities(1)
40-70
20-40
Equity securities(1)
35-60
60-80
Other
0-15
0-5
(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.
Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for MidAmerican Energy's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$— $15 $— $15 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations22 — — 22 
Corporate obligations— 135 — 135 
Municipal obligations— 10 — 10 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 13 — 13 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies71 — — 71 
International companies— — 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$94 $173 $— 267 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
223 
Total assets measured at fair value$490 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$— $27 $— $27 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations33 — — 33 
Corporate obligations— 242 — 242 
Municipal obligations— 18 — 18 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— 17 — 17 
Equity securities:
U.S. companies35 — — 35 
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$68 $304 $— 372 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
332 
Total assets measured at fair value$704 
(1)Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 55% and 45%, respectively, for 2022 and 56% and 44%, respectively, for 2021. Additionally, these funds are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 97% and 3%, respectively, for 2022 and 90% and 10%, respectively, for 2021.
The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for MidAmerican Energy's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
As of December 31, 2022:
Cash equivalents$10 $— $— $10 
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations— — 
Corporate obligations— — 
Municipal obligations— 22 — 22 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— — 
Equity securities:
Investment funds(2)
201 — — 201 
Total assets measured at fair value$213 $27 $— $240 
As of December 31, 2021:
Cash equivalents$$— $— $
Debt securities:
U.S. government obligations— — 
Corporate obligations— — 
Municipal obligations— 28 — 28 
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations— — 
Equity securities:
Investment funds(2)
260 — — 260 
Total assets measured at fair value$271 $37 $— $308 
(1)Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 82% and 18%, respectively, for 2022 and 2021. Additionally, these funds are invested in U.S. and international securities of approximately 82% and 18%, respectively, for 2022 and for 2021.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.

Defined Contribution Plan

MidAmerican Energy sponsors a defined contribution plan ("401(k) plan") covering substantially all employees. MidAmerican Energy's matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pretax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. Certain participants now receive enhanced benefits in the 401(k) plan and no longer accrue benefits in the noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. MidAmerican Energy's contributions to the plan were $33 million, $27 million, and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
MidAmerican Funding, LLC  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Refer to Note 10 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements for additional information regarding MidAmerican Funding's pension, supplemental retirement and postretirement benefit plans.

Pension and postretirement costs allocated by MidAmerican Funding to its parent and other affiliates in each of the years ended December 31, were as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Pension costs$$21 $
Other postretirement costs(3)
NPC  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Nevada Power is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Nevada Power. Nevada Power did not make any contributions to the Qualified Pension Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Nevada Power contributed $1 million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Nevada Power did not make any contributions to the Other Postretirement Plans for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Amounts attributable to Nevada Power were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Amounts receivable from (payable to) NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
20222021
Qualified Pension Plan -
Other non-current assets$27 $42 
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:
Other current liabilities(1)(1)
Other long-term liabilities(6)(8)
Other Postretirement Plans -
Other non-current assets
SPPC  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit PlansSierra Pacific is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Sierra Pacific. Sierra Pacific did not make any contributions to the Qualified Pension Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Sierra Pacific contributed $1 million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Sierra Pacific contributed $5 million and $1 million to the Other Post Retirement Plans for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Sierra Pacific did not make any contributions to the Other Post Retirement Plans for the year ended December 31, 2020. Amounts attributable to Sierra Pacific were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.
Amounts receivable from (payable to) NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
20222021
Qualified Pension Plan -
Other non-current assets$43 $62 
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:
Other current liabilities(1)(1)
Other long-term liabilities(5)(7)
Other Postretirement Plans -
Other long-term liabilities(2)(10)
EEGH  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit PlansAs discussed in Note 3, in November 2020, the GT&S Transaction was completed and the assets and obligations of the pension and other postretirement employee benefit plans associated with the operations sold and relating to services provided before closing were retained by DEI. As a result, just prior to completing the sale, net benefit plan assets of $895 million were distributed through an equity transaction with DEI.
Subsequent to the GT&S Transaction

Subsequent to the GT&S Transaction, Eastern Energy Gas is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy"), an affiliate. The MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") that provides pension benefits for eligible employees. The MidAmerican Energy Company Welfare Benefit Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Eastern Energy Gas. Eastern Energy Gas made $14 million, $18 million and $3 million of contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Eastern Energy Gas made $2 million, $10 million and $2 million of contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Company Welfare Benefit Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Contributions related to these plans are reflected as net periodic benefit cost in operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts attributable to Eastern Energy Gas were allocated from MidAmerican Energy in accordance with the intercompany administrative service agreement. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Eastern Energy Gas participates in the BHE GT&S, LLC ("BHE GT&S") defined contribution employee savings plan subsequent to the GT&S Transaction. Eastern Energy Gas' matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. Eastern Energy Gas' contributions to the 401(k) plan were $6 million, $5 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Prior to the GT&S Transaction

Defined Benefit Plans

Prior to the GT&S Transaction, certain Eastern Energy Gas employees not represented by collective bargaining units were covered by the Dominion Energy Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by DEI that provides benefits to multiple DEI subsidiaries. As participating employers, Eastern Energy Gas was subject to DEI's funding policy, which was to contribute annually an amount that is in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Eastern Energy Gas' net periodic pension credit related to this plan was $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net periodic pension credit is reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The funded status of various DEI subsidiary groups and employee compensation are the basis for determining the share of total pension costs for participating DEI subsidiaries.

Prior to the GT&S Transaction, certain retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits for Eastern Energy Gas employees not represented by collective bargaining units were covered by the Dominion Energy Retiree Health and Welfare Plan, a plan sponsored by DEI that provides certain retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits to multiple DEI subsidiaries. Eastern Energy Gas' net periodic benefit credit related to this plan was $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net periodic benefit credit is reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Employee headcount is the basis for determining the share of total other postretirement benefit costs for participating DEI subsidiaries.

Pension benefits for Eastern Energy Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units were covered by a separate pension plan that provides benefits to employees of both EGTS and Hope Gas, Inc. ("Hope"). Employee compensation was the basis for allocating pension costs and obligations between EGTS and Hope. Retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits for Eastern Energy Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units were covered by a separate other postretirement benefit plan that provides benefits to both EGTS and Hope. Employee headcount was the basis for allocating other postretirement benefit costs and obligations between EGTS and Hope.

Pension Remeasurement

In the third quarter of 2020, Eastern Energy Gas remeasured a pension plan due to a curtailment resulting from the agreement for DEI to retain the assets and obligations of the pension benefit plan associated with the GT&S Transaction. The remeasurement resulted in an increase in the pension benefit obligation of $3 million and a decrease in the fair value of the pension plan assets of $7 million for Eastern Energy Gas. The impact of the remeasurement on net periodic pension benefit credit was recognized prospectively from the remeasurement date and was not material. The discount rate used for the remeasurement was 3.16%. All other assumptions used for the remeasurement were consistent with the measurement as of December 31, 2019.
Net Periodic Benefit Credit

Net periodic benefit credit for the plans included the following components for the year ended December 31, 2020 (in millions):

PensionOther Postretirement
Service cost$$
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets(47)(16)
Net amortization(3)
Net periodic benefit credit$(29)$(14)

Significant assumptions used to determine periodic credits for the year ended December 31, 2020:

PensionOther Postretirement
Discount rate
3.16% - 3.63%
3.44 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets8.60 %8.50 %
Weighted average rate of increase for compensation4.73 %N/A
Healthcare cost trend rate6.50 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)5.00 %
Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate2026

Defined Contribution Plans

Eastern Energy Gas participated in the DEI defined contribution employee savings plans prior to the GT&S Transaction. Eastern Energy Gas' matching contributions were based on each participant's level of contribution. Contributions could not exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. Eastern Energy Gas' contributions to the 401(k) plan were $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
EGTS  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
As discussed in Note 3, in November 2020, the GT&S Transaction was completed and the assets and obligations of the pension and other postretirement employee benefit plans associated with the operations sold and relating to services provided before closing were retained by DEI. As a result, just prior to completing the sale, net benefit plan assets of $904 million were distributed through an equity transaction with DEI.

Subsequent to the GT&S Transaction

Defined Benefit Plans

Subsequent to the GT&S Transaction, EGTS is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by MidAmerican Energy, an affiliate. The MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan that provides pension benefits for eligible employees. The MidAmerican Energy Company Welfare Benefit Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees on behalf of EGTS. EGTS made $12 million, $16 million and $2 million of contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. EGTS made $2 million, $9 million and $2 million of contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Company Welfare Benefit Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Contributions related to these plans are reflected as net periodic benefit cost in operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts attributable to EGTS were allocated from MidAmerican Energy in accordance with the intercompany administrative service agreement. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates.

Defined Contribution Plan

EGTS participates in the BHE GT&S defined contribution employee savings plan subsequent to the GT&S Transaction. EGTS' matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. EGTS' contributions to the 401(k) plan were $5 million and $4 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively

Prior to the GT&S Transaction

Defined Benefit Plans

Prior to the GT&S Transaction, certain EGTS employees not represented by collective bargaining units were covered by the Dominion Energy Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by DEI that provides benefits to multiple DEI subsidiaries. As participating employers, EGTS was subject to DEI's funding policy, which was to contribute annually an amount that is in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. EGTS' net periodic pension credit related to this plan was $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, reflected in operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The funded status of various DEI subsidiary groups and employee compensation are the basis for determining the share of total pension costs for participating DEI subsidiaries.

Prior to the GT&S Transaction, certain retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits for EGTS employees not represented by collective bargaining units were covered by the Dominion Energy Retiree Health and Welfare Plan, a plan sponsored by DEI that provides certain retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits to multiple DEI subsidiaries. EGTS' net periodic benefit credit related to this plan was $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, reflected in operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Employee headcount is the basis for determining the share of total other postretirement benefit costs for participating DEI subsidiaries.
Pension benefits for EGTS employees represented by collective bargaining units were covered by a separate pension plan that provides benefits to employees of both EGTS and Hope Gas, Inc. ("Hope"). Employee compensation was the basis for allocating pension costs and obligations between EGTS and Hope. Retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits, for EGTS employees represented by a collective bargaining unit, were covered by a separate other postretirement benefit plan that provides benefits to both EGTS and Hope. Employee headcount was the basis for allocating other postretirement benefit costs and obligations between EGTS and Hope.

Pension Remeasurement

In the third quarter of 2020, EGTS remeasured a pension plan due to a curtailment resulting from the agreement for DEI to retain the assets and obligations of the pension benefit plan associated with the GT&S Transaction. The remeasurement resulted in an increase in the pension benefit obligation of $3 million and a decrease in the fair value of the pension plan assets of $7 million for EGTS. The impact of the remeasurement on net periodic pension benefit credit was recognized prospectively from the remeasurement date and was not material. The discount rate used for the remeasurement was 3.16%. All other assumptions used for the remeasurement were consistent with the measurement as of December 31, 2019.

Net Periodic Benefit Credit

Net periodic benefit credit for the plans included the following components for the year ended December 31, 2020 (in millions):

PensionOther Postretirement
Service cost$$
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets(47)(16)
Net amortization(3)
Net periodic benefit credit$(31)$(14)

Significant assumptions used to determine periodic credits for the year ended December 31, 2020:

PensionOther Postretirement
Discount rate
3.16% - 3.63%
3.44 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets8.60 %8.50 %
Weighted average rate of increase for compensation4.73 %N/A
Healthcare cost trend rate6.50 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)5.00 %
Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate2026

Defined Contribution Plans

EGTS participated in the DEI defined contribution employee savings plans prior to the GT&S Transaction. EGTS' matching contributions were based on each participant's level of contribution. Contributions could not exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. EGTS' contributions to the 401(k) plan were $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.