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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Our utilities have recorded AROs primarily for the removal of natural gas distribution mains and service pipes (including asbestos and PCBs); asbestos abatement at certain generation and substation facilities, office buildings, and service centers; the removal and dismantlement of biomass and hydro generation facilities; the dismantling of wind generation projects; the disposal of PCB-contaminated transformers; the closure of fly-ash landfills at certain generation facilities; and the removal of above ground storage tanks. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established by our utilities to record the differences between ongoing expense recognition under the ARO accounting rules and the rate-making practices for retirement costs authorized by the applicable regulators.

AROs have also been recorded at Bishop Hill III, Coyote Ridge, and Upstream for the dismantling of wind generation projects.

On our balance sheets, AROs are recorded within other long-term liabilities. The following table shows changes to our AROs during the years ended December 31:
(in millions)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Balance as of January 1
 
$
461.4

 
$
573.7

 
$
557.7

Accretion
 
22.1

 
28.0

 
27.5

Additions and revisions to estimated cash flows
 
39.1

(1) 
(104.5
)
(2) 
26.5

Liabilities settled
 
(39.1
)
 
(35.8
)
 
(38.0
)
Balance as of December 31
 
$
483.5

 
$
461.4

 
$
573.7



(1) 
AROs increased $40.1 million in 2019, primarily due to new natural gas distribution lines being placed into service at PGL. Also in 2019, AROs increased $10.7 million as a result of AROs being recorded for the legal requirement to dismantle, at retirement, the wind generation projects known as Upstream and Coyote Ridge. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on Upstream and Coyote Ridge. AROs decreased $7.3 million due to revisions made to estimated cash flows for the abatement of asbestos at WE.

(2) 
AROs decreased $127.3 million in 2018 due to revisions made to estimated cash flows primarily for changes in the cost to retire natural gas distribution pipe at PGL. Also in 2018, AROs increased $10.7 million as a result of revisions made to estimated cash flows for the abatement of asbestos at WPS's Pulliam power plant, and a $10.9 million ARO was recorded for the legal requirement to dismantle, at retirement, the wind generation projects known as Forward Wind Energy Center and Bishop Hill III. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for more information on Forward Wind Energy Center and Bishop Hill III.