Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

We classify our assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value within the fair value hierarchy.  This hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the inputs used to determine fair values, which are then classified and disclosed in one of three categories.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable (such as yield curves). 

Level 3 — Valuation models with significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.  Instruments in this category include long-dated derivative transactions where valuations are unobservable due to the length of the transaction, options, and transactions in locations where observable market data does not exist.  The valuation models we employ utilize spot prices, forward prices, historical market data and other factors to forecast future prices.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Thus, a valuation may be classified in Level 3 even though the valuation may include significant inputs that are readily observable.  We maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  We rely primarily on the market approach of using prices and other market information for identical and/or comparable assets and liabilities.  If market data is not readily available, inputs may reflect our own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use.  Our assessment of the inputs and the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities as well as their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.  We assess whether a market is active by obtaining observable broker quotes, reviewing actual market activity, and assessing the volume of transactions.  We consider broker quotes observable inputs when the quote is

binding on the broker, we can validate the quote with market activity, or we can determine that the inputs the broker used to arrive at the quoted price are observable.

Certain instruments have been valued using the concept of Net Asset Value ("NAV"), as a practical expedient. These instruments are typically structured as investment companies offering shares or units to multiple investors for the purpose of providing a return. These instruments are similar to mutual funds; however, their NAV is generally not published and publicly available, nor are these instruments traded on an exchange. Instruments valued using NAV, as a practical expedient are included in our fair value disclosures however, in accordance with GAAP are not classified within the fair value hierarchy levels.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

We apply recurring fair value measurements to cash equivalents, derivative instruments, and investments held in the nuclear decommissioning trust and other special use funds. On an annual basis we apply fair value measurements to plan assets held in our retirement and other benefit plans.  See Note 7 for fair value discussion of plan assets held in our retirement and other benefit plans.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents represent certain investments in money market funds that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.

Risk Management Activities — Derivative Instruments

Exchange traded commodity contracts are valued using unadjusted quoted prices.  For non-exchange traded commodity contracts, we calculate fair value based on the average of the bid and offer price, discounted to reflect net present value.  We maintain certain valuation adjustments for a number of risks associated with the valuation of future commitments.  These include valuation adjustments for liquidity and credit risks.  The liquidity valuation adjustment represents the cost that would be incurred if all unmatched positions were closed out or hedged.  The credit valuation adjustment represents estimated credit losses on our net exposure to counterparties, taking into account netting agreements, expected default experience for the credit rating of the counterparties and the overall diversification of the portfolio.  We maintain credit policies that management believes minimize overall credit risk.

Certain non-exchange traded commodity contracts are valued based on unobservable inputs due to the long-term nature of contracts, characteristics of the product, or the unique location of the transactions.  Our long-dated energy transactions consist of observable valuations for the near-term portion and unobservable valuations for the long-term portions of the transaction.  We rely primarily on broker quotes to value these instruments.  When our valuations utilize broker quotes, we perform various control procedures to ensure the quote has been developed consistent with fair value accounting guidance.  These controls include assessing the quote for reasonableness by comparison against other broker quotes, reviewing historical price relationships, and assessing market activity.  When broker quotes are not available, the primary valuation technique used to calculate the fair value is the extrapolation of forward pricing curves using observable market data for more liquid delivery points in the same region and actual transactions at more illiquid delivery points.

When the unobservable portion is significant to the overall valuation of the transaction, the entire transaction is classified as Level 3.  Our classification of instruments as Level 3 is primarily reflective of the long-term nature of our energy transactions.

Our energy risk management committee, consisting of officers and key management personnel, oversees our energy risk management activities to ensure compliance with our stated energy risk management policies.  We have a risk control function that is responsible for valuing our derivative commodity instruments in accordance with established policies and procedures.  The risk control function reports to the chief financial officer’s organization.

Investments Held in Nuclear Decommissioning Trust and Other Special Use Funds

The nuclear decommissioning trust and other special use funds invest in fixed income and equity securities. Other special use funds include the coal reclamation escrow account and the active union medical trust. See Note 19 for additional discussion about our investment accounts.

We value investments in fixed income and equity securities using information provided by our trustees and escrow agent. Our trustees and escrow agent use pricing services that utilize the valuation methodologies described below to determine fair market value. We have internal control procedures designed to ensure this information is consistent with fair value accounting guidance. These procedures include assessing valuations using an independent pricing source, verifying that pricing can be supported by actual recent market transactions, assessing hierarchy classifications, comparing investment returns with benchmarks, and obtaining and reviewing independent audit reports on the trustees’ and escrow agent's internal operating controls and valuation processes.

Fixed Income Securities

Fixed income securities issued by the U.S. Treasury are valued using quoted active market prices and are typically classified as Level 1.  Fixed income securities issued by corporations, municipalities, and other agencies, including mortgage-backed instruments, are valued using quoted inactive market prices, quoted active market prices for similar securities, or by utilizing calculations which incorporate observable inputs such as yield curves and spreads relative to such yield curves.  These fixed income instruments are classified as Level 2.  Whenever possible, multiple market quotes are obtained which enables a cross-check validation.  A primary price source is identified based on asset type, class, or issue of securities.

Fixed income securities may also include short-term investments in certificates of deposit, variable rate notes, time deposit accounts, U.S. Treasury and Agency obligations, U.S. Treasury repurchase agreements, commercial paper, and other short term instruments. These instruments are valued using active market prices or utilizing observable inputs described above.

Equity Securities

The nuclear decommissioning trust's equity security investments are held indirectly through commingled funds.  The commingled funds are valued using the funds' NAV as a practical expedient. The funds' NAV is primarily derived from the quoted active market prices of the underlying equity securities held by the funds. We may transact in these commingled funds on a semi-monthly basis at the NAV.  The commingled funds are maintained by a bank and hold investments in accordance with the stated objective of tracking the performance of the S&P 500 Index.  Because the commingled funds' shares are offered to a limited group of investors, they are not considered to be traded in an active market. As these instruments are valued using NAV, as a practical expedient, they have not been classified within the fair value hierarchy.

The nuclear decommissioning trust and other special use funds may also hold equity securities that include exchange traded mutual funds and money market accounts for short-term liquidity purposes. These short-term, highly-liquid, investments are valued using active market prices.

 Fair Value Tables

The following table presents the fair value at December 31, 2018 of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in thousands):

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs  (Level 3)			Other				Balance at December 31, 2018
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	1,200	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	1,200
Risk management activities — derivative instruments:
Commodity contracts	—		3,140			2			(2,029		)	(a)	1,113
Nuclear decommissioning trust:
Equity securities	5,203		—			—			2,148			(b)	7,351
U.S. commingled equity funds	—		—			—			396,805			(c)	396,805
U.S. Treasury debt	148,173		—			—			—				148,173
Corporate debt	—		96,656			—			—				96,656
Mortgage-backed debt securities	—		113,115			—			—				113,115
Municipal bonds	—		79,073			—			—				79,073
Other fixed income	—		9,961			—			—				9,961
Subtotal nuclear decommissioning trust	153,376		298,805			—			398,953				851,134
Other special use funds:
Equity securities	45,130		—			—			593			(b)	45,723
U.S. Treasury debt	173,310		—			—			—				173,310
Municipal bonds	—		17,068			—			—				17,068
Subtotal other special use funds	218,440		17,068			—			593				236,101
Total Assets	$	373,016	$	319,013		$	2		$	397,517			$	1,089,548
Liabilities
Risk management activities — derivative instruments:
Commodity contracts	$	—	$	(52,696	)	$	(8,216	)	$	875		(a)	$	(60,037	)

(a) Represents counterparty netting, margin, and collateral. See Note 16.

(b) Represents net pending securities sales and purchases.

(c) Valued using NAV as a practical expedient and, therefore, are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

 The following table presents the fair value at December 31, 2017 of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in thousands):

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (a) (Level 3)			Other				Balance at December 31, 2017
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	10,630	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	10,630
Risk management activities — derivative instruments:
Commodity contracts	—		5,683			1,036			(4,737		)	(b)	1,982
Nuclear decommissioning trust:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,224		—			—			109			(d)	7,333
U.S. commingled equity funds	—		—			—			417,390			(e)	417,390
U.S. Treasury debt	127,662		—			—			—				127,662
Corporate debt	—		114,007			—			—				114,007
Mortgage-backed debt securities	—		111,874			—			—				111,874
Municipal bonds	—		79,049			—			—				79,049
Other fixed income	—		13,685			—			—				13,685
Subtotal nuclear decommissioning trust	134,886		318,615			—			417,499				871,000
Other special use funds (c):	455		31,562			—			525				32,542
Total Assets	$	145,971	$	355,860		$	1,036		$	413,287			$	916,154
Liabilities
Risk management activities — derivative instruments:
Commodity contracts	$	—	$	(78,646	)	$	(19,292	)	$	1,516		(b)	$	(96,422	)

(a) Primarily consists of long-dated electricity contracts.

(b) Represents counterparty netting, margin, and collateral. See Note 16.

(c) Primarily consists of fixed income municipal bonds. Presented as coal reclamation escrow in 2017.

(d) Represents nuclear decommissioning trust net pending securities sales and purchases.

(e) Valued using NAV as a practical expedient and, therefore, are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Measurements Classified as Level 3

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our energy derivative contracts include broker quotes that cannot be validated as an observable input primarily due to the long-term nature of the quote.  Significant changes in these inputs in isolation would result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.  Changes in our derivative contract fair values, including changes relating to unobservable inputs, typically will not impact net income due to regulatory accounting treatment (see Note 3).

Because our forward commodity contracts classified as Level 3 are currently in a net purchase position, we would expect price increases of the underlying commodity to result in increases in the net fair value of the

related contracts.  Conversely, if the price of the underlying commodity decreases, the net fair value of the related contracts would likely decrease.

Other unobservable valuation inputs include credit and liquidity reserves which do not have a material impact on our valuations; however, significant changes in these inputs could also result in higher or lower fair value measurements.

The following tables provide information regarding our significant unobservable inputs used to value our risk management derivative Level 3 instruments at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	December 31, 2018 Fair Value (thousands)				Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted-Average
Commodity Contracts	Assets		Liabilities
Electricity:
Forward Contracts (a)	$	—	$	2,456	Discounted cash flows	Electricity forward price (per MWh)	$17.88 - $37.03	$	26.10
Natural Gas:
Forward Contracts (a)	2		5,760		Discounted cash flows	Natural gas forward price (per MMBtu)	$1.79 - $2.92	$	2.48
Total	$	2	$	8,216

(a) Includes swaps and physical and financial contracts.

	December 31, 2017 Fair Value (thousands)				Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted-Average
Commodity Contracts	Assets		Liabilities
Electricity:
Forward Contracts (a)	$	21	$	15,485	Discounted cash flows	Electricity forward price (per MWh)	$18.51 - $38.75	$	27.89
Natural Gas:
Forward Contracts (a)	1,015		3,807		Discounted cash flows	Natural gas forward price (per MMBtu)	$2.33 - $3.11	$	2.71
Total	$	1,036	$	19,292

(a) Includes swaps and physical and financial contracts.

The following table shows the changes in fair value for our risk management activities' assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
Commodity Contracts	2018			2017
Net derivative balance at beginning of period	$	(18,256	)	$	(47,406	)
Total net gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings	—			—
Included in OCI	—			3
Deferred as a regulatory asset or liability	(1,130		)	(13,643		)
Settlements	(787		)	5,834
Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2	(12,830		)	(10,026		)
Transfers from Level 3 into Level 2	24,789			46,982
Net derivative balance at end of period	$	(8,214	)	$	(18,256	)
Net unrealized gains included in earnings related to instruments still held at end of period	$	—		$	—

Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy shown in the table above reflect the fair market value at the beginning of the period and are triggered by a change in the lowest significant input as of the end of the period.  We had no significant Level 1 transfers to or from any other hierarchy level.  Transfers in or out of Level 3 are typically related to our long-dated energy transactions that extend beyond available quoted periods.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

The carrying value of our short-term borrowings approximate fair value and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 6 for our long-term debt fair values. The NTEC note receivable related to the sale of 4CA’s interest in Four Corners bears interest at 3.9% per annum and has a book value of $61 million as of December 31, 2018, as presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The carrying amount is not materially different from the fair value of the note receivable and is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  See Note 10 for more information on 4CA matters.