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Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of changes to asset retirement obligations 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.