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Pension, OPEB and Savings Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Pension, OPEB and Savings Plans
Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans
PSEG sponsors qualified and nonqualified pension plans and OPEB plans covering PSEG’s and its participating affiliates’ current and former employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible employees participate in non-contributory pension and OPEB plans sponsored by PSEG and administered by Services. In addition, represented and nonrepresented employees are eligible for participation in PSEG’s two defined contribution plans described below.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power are required to record the under or over funded positions of their defined benefit pension and OPEB plans on their respective balance sheets. Such funding positions of each PSEG company are required to be measured as of the date of its respective year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. For underfunded plans, the liability is equal to the difference between the plan’s benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For OPEB plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. In addition, GAAP requires that the total unrecognized costs for defined benefit pension and OPEB plans be recorded as an after-tax charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a separate component of Stockholders’ Equity. However, for PSE&G, because the amortization of the unrecognized costs is being collected from customers, the accumulated unrecognized costs are recorded as a Regulatory Asset. The unrecognized costs represent actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs which had not been expensed.
For PSE&G, the Regulatory Asset is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For Power, the charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Effective January 1, 2016, PSEG changed the approach used to measure future service and interest costs for pension benefits. For 2015 and prior, PSEG calculated service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For 2016 and beyond, PSEG has elected to calculate service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to the plans’ liability cash flows. PSEG believes the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of the plan obligations. As a change in accounting estimate, this change was reflected prospectively. Pension and OPEB costs, net of amounts capitalized, were reduced by $34 million and $13 million, respectively, as compared to the 2016 amounts that would have been derived from applying PSEG’s 2015 and prior years’ methodology.
As of December 31, 2016, PSEG merged its three qualified defined benefit pension plans (excluding Servco plans) into one plan, thereby also merging all of the pension plans’ assets. No changes were made to the benefit formulas, the vesting provisions, or to the employees covered by the plans.
Amounts for Servco are not included in any of the following pension and OPEB benefit information for PSEG and its affiliates but rather are separately disclosed later in this note.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets during each of the two years in the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year (A)
 
$
5,522

 
$
5,722

 
$
1,612

 
$
1,638

 
 
Service Cost
 
109

 
123

 
17

 
22

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss (B)
 
219

 
(289
)
 
127

 
(45
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
2

 

 
(4
)
 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
5,772

 
$
5,522

 
$
1,754

 
$
1,612

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
5,039

 
$
5,293

 
$
374

 
$
361

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
403

 
(11
)
 
32

 
(1
)
 
 
Employer Contributions
 
33

 
25

 
71

 
84

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
5,193

 
$
5,039

 
$
420

 
$
374

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Assets (included in Other Special Funds)
 
$

 
$
14

 
$

 
$

 
 
Current Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
 
Noncurrent Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(568
)
 
(487
)
 
(1,324
)
 
(1,228
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulated Assets and Deferred Assets (B)
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(83
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
(25
)
 
 
Net Actuarial Loss
 
1,763

 
1,710

 
523

 
438

 
 
Total
 
$
1,700

 
$
1,627

 
$
509

 
$
413

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Includes $679 million ($398 million, after-tax) and $658 million ($386 million, after-tax) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss related to Pension and OPEB as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The pension benefits table above provides information relating to the funded status of the qualified, nonqualified pension and OPEB plans on an aggregate basis. As of December 31, 2016, PSEG had funded approximately 90% of its projected benefit obligation. This percentage does not include $217 million of assets in the Rabbi Trust as of December 31, 2016 which were used partially to fund the nonqualified pension plans. As of December 31, 2016, the nonqualified pension plans included in the projected benefit obligation in the above table were $161 million. The fair values of the Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Special Funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all PSEG’s defined benefit pension plans was $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2015.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
109

 
$
123

 
$
104

 
$
17

 
$
22

 
18

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
69

 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(394
)
 
(414
)
 
(399
)
 
(31
)
 
(31
)
 
(26
)
 
 
Amortization of Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Credit
 
(19
)
 
(19
)
 
(18
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
 
Actuarial Loss
 
158

 
150

 
56

 
40

 
43

 
23

 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pension costs and OPEB costs for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
29

 
$
40

 
$
(19
)
 
$
43

 
$
55

 
$
46

 
 
Power
 
16

 
21

 
(7
)
 
23

 
27

 
20

 
 
Other
 
11

 
13

 
3

 
5

 
5

 
4

 
 
Total Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table provides the pre-tax changes recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
 
OPEB
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Actuarial (Gain) Loss in Current Period
 
$
211

 
$
136

 
$
125

 
$
(14
)
 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Gain (Loss)
 
(158
)
 
(150
)
 
(40
)
 
(43
)
 
 
Prior Service Cost (Credit) in current period
 
1

 

 
(3
)
 

 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Credit
 
19

 
19

 
14

 
14

 
 
Total
 
$
73

 
$
5

 
$
96

 
$
(43
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2017 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
$
97

 
$
51

 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.29
%
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
4.37
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Service Cost Interest Rate
 
4.81
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.87
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Interest Cost Interest Rate
 
3.75
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
3.76
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.75
%
 
7.40
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
11

 
$
12

 
$
13

 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
191

 
$
194

 
$
201

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(9
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(10
)
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(165
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
The investments of pension and OPEB plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension and OPEB plans are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. Use of the Master Trust permits the commingling of pension plan assets and OPEB plan assets for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets of the plans are commingled in the Master Trust, the Trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Trustee to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans. As of December 31, 2016, the pension plan interest and OPEB plan interest in such assets of the Master Trust were approximately 93% and 7%, respectively.
The following tables present information about the investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
107

 
$
105

 
$
2

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
944

 
944

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,387

 
1,247

 
140

 

 
 
  Preferred Stock
 
1

 
1

 

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
441

 

 
441

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
263

 

 
263

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
836

 

 
836

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,979

 
$
2,297

 
$
1,682

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,599

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
96

 
$
95

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
816

 
816

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,463

 
1,269

 
194

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
322

 

 
322

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
279

 

 
279

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
906

 

 
906

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,882

 
$
2,180

 
$
1,702

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,405

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Certain open-ended mutual funds with mainly short-term investments are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active market (Level 1). Certain temporary investments are valued using inputs such as time-to-maturity, coupon rate, quality rating and current yield (Level 2).
(B)
Common stocks and preferred stocks are measured using observable data in active markets and considered Level 1. Investments in certain commingled equity funds are measured at their published daily net asset value (NAV) available to investors; if they are redeemable daily without restrictions, they are classified as Level 1 or, if they have restrictions which prevent daily redemptions, they are classified as Level 2.
(C)
In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled equity funds. As a result, PSEG determined that certain commingled funds in the amount of $1,698 million at December 31, 2015 should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at their published price. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report such investments as Level 2. In addition, as part of our implementation of the new accounting guidance on investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient in 2016, the majority of these same commingled equity funds have been removed from the fair value hierarchy as they are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards. These funds do not meet the definition of readily determinable fair value due to limitations in published NAV (last business day of the month) and include certain redemption restrictions ranging from one to fifteen days advance notice prior to redemption days and limitations on withdrawals over 25% of the total fund. The objectives of these funds are mainly tracking the S&P Index or achieving long-term growth through investment in foreign equity securities and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. As a result of the error correction for the $1,698 million that should have been classified as Level 2 for 2015 and $1,504 million that was removed from the fair value hierarchy as part of the new guidance on NAV practical expedient implementation, $194 million has been reclassified to Level 2 as of December 31, 2015.
(D)
Fixed income securities include mainly investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, US Treasury obligations and Federal Agency asset-backed securities with a wide range of maturities. These investments are valued using an evaluated pricing approach that varies by asset class and reflects observable market information such as the most recent exchange price or quoted bid for similar securities. Market-based standard inputs typically include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads or the most recent quoted for similar securities which are a Level 2 measure.
(E)
Private equity investments include various limited partnerships that invest in operating companies through acquisitions or developing a portfolio of non-US distressed investments. These investments are valued at NAV on an annual basis and have significant redemption restrictions preventing redemption until fund liquidation and limited ability to sell these investments. These investments have been removed from the fair value hierarchy in accordance with the new guidance on NAV practical expedient.
(F)
Excludes net receivable of $14 million and $8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which consists of interest and dividend, receivables and payables related to pending securities sales and purchases.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
70
%
 
70
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
28

 
28

 
 
Other Investments
 
2

 
2

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. PSEG’s latest asset/liability study indicates that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. Derivative financial instruments are used by the plans’ investment managers primarily to adjust the fixed income duration of the portfolio and hedge the currency risk component of foreign investments. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.0% for 2016 and will be 7.8% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management and considered the plans’ historical annualized rate of return since inception, which was 9.3%.
Plan Contributions
PSEG plans to contribute $14 million into its OPEB plan during 2017.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to plan participants.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
310

 
$
82

 
 
2018
 
 
307

 
86

 
 
2019
 
 
319

 
90

 
 
2020
 
 
331

 
94

 
 
2021
 
 
343

 
99

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
1,887

 
534

 
 
Total
 
 
$
3,497

 
$
985

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

401(k) Plans
PSEG sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) defined contribution retirement plans. Eligible represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Employee Savings Plan (Savings Plan), while eligible non-represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Thrift and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (Thrift Plan). Eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any catch-up contributions for those employees age 50 and above. PSEG matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 7% of pay for Savings Plan participants and up to 8% of pay for Thrift Plan participants.
The amount paid for employer matching contributions to the plans for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrift Plan and Savings Plan
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
24

 
$
22

 
$
20

 
 
Power
 
12

 
12

 
11

 
 
Other
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
 
Total Employer Matching Contributions
 
$
41

 
$
39

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco Pension and OPEB
At the direction of LIPA, effective January 1, 2014, Servco established benefit plans that provide substantially the same benefits to its employees as those previously provided by National Grid Electric Services LLC (NGES), the predecessor T&D system manager for LIPA. Since the vast majority of Servco’s employees had worked under NGES’ T&D operations services arrangement with LIPA, Servco’s plans provide certain of those employees with pension and OPEB vested credit for prior years’ services earned while working for NGES. The benefit plans cover all employees of Servco for current service. Under the OSA, all of these and any future employee benefit costs are to be funded by LIPA. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entities. These obligations, as well as the offsetting long-term receivable, are separately presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in Servco’s benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year
 
$
211

 
$
195

 
$
375

 
$
452

 
 
Service Cost
 
24

 
26

 
12

 
17

 
 
Interest Cost
 
9

 
9

 
17

 
21

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
14

 
(20
)
 
50

 
(114
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
5

 
1

 

 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
262

 
$
211

 
$
452

 
$
375

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
97

 
$
69

 
$

 
$

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
10

 
(2
)
 

 

 
 
Employer Contributions
 
28

 
30

 
2

 
1

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
134

 
$
97

 
$

 
$

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Pension Costs of Servco
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
OPEB Costs of Servco
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(452
)
 
(375
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized (B)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Amounts equal to the accrued pension and OPEB costs of Servco are offset in Long-Term Receivable of VIE on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Pension and OPEB costs of Servco are accounted for according to the OSA. Servco recognizes expenses for contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees. Operating Revenues are recognized for the reimbursement of these costs. The pension-related revenues and costs for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $28 million, $30 million and $67 million, respectively. Servco has contributed its entire planned contribution amount to its pension plan trusts during 2016. The OPEB-related revenues earned and costs incurred in 2016 was $2 million, and were immaterial 2015 and 2014.
The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations of Servco:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.61
%
 
4.92
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.71
%
 
4.97
%
 
4.60
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.55
%
 
7.33
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
97

 
$
75

 
$
160

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(75
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(106
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
All the investments of Servco’s pension plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. The Actuary maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Actuary to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans.
The following tables present information about Servco’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)
 
$
96

 
$

 
$
96

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)
 
38

 

 
38

 

 
 
Total
 
$
134

 
$

 
$
134

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)

 
$
68

 
$

 
$
68

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)

 
29

 

 
29

 

 
 
Total
 
$
97

 
$

 
$
97

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Investments in commingled equity and bond funds have a readily determinable fair value as they publish a daily NAV available to investors which is the basis for current transactions and contain certain redemption restrictions requiring advance notice of one to two days for withdrawals (Level 2). In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled funds. As a result, PSEG determined that the commingled equity funds should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at the published price. In addition to the advance notice of one or two days, redemption days may be limited to twice per month for certain funds. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report the commingled equity fund balance of $68 million as of December 31, 2015 as Level 2.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans of Servco as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
71
%
 
71
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
29

 
29

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. The results from Servco’s latest asset/liability study indicated that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.7% for 2016 and will be 7.6% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management.
Plan Contributions
Servco plans to contribute $35 million into its pension plan during 2017.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to Servco’s plan participants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
2

 
$
4

 
 
2018
 
 
3

 
6

 
 
2019
 
 
5

 
9

 
 
2020
 
 
7

 
11

 
 
2021
 
 
8

 
13

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
76

 
96

 
 
Total
 
 
$
101

 
$
139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Servco 401(k) Plans
Servco sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are defined contribution retirement plans subject to ERISA. Eligible non-represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan I (Thrift Plan I), and eligible represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan II (Thrift Plan II). Participants in the Plans may contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any Catch-Up Contributions for those employees age 50 and above. Servco does not provide an employer match or core contribution for employees in Thrift Plan II. For employees in Thrift Plan I, Servco matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation and provides core contributions (based on years of service and age) to employees who do not participate in Servco’s Retirement Income Plan. The amounts expensed by Servco for employer matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively, and pursuant to the OSA, Servco recognizes Operating Revenues for the reimbursement of these costs.
PSE&G [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Pension, OPEB and Savings Plans
Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans
PSEG sponsors qualified and nonqualified pension plans and OPEB plans covering PSEG’s and its participating affiliates’ current and former employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible employees participate in non-contributory pension and OPEB plans sponsored by PSEG and administered by Services. In addition, represented and nonrepresented employees are eligible for participation in PSEG’s two defined contribution plans described below.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power are required to record the under or over funded positions of their defined benefit pension and OPEB plans on their respective balance sheets. Such funding positions of each PSEG company are required to be measured as of the date of its respective year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. For underfunded plans, the liability is equal to the difference between the plan’s benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For OPEB plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. In addition, GAAP requires that the total unrecognized costs for defined benefit pension and OPEB plans be recorded as an after-tax charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a separate component of Stockholders’ Equity. However, for PSE&G, because the amortization of the unrecognized costs is being collected from customers, the accumulated unrecognized costs are recorded as a Regulatory Asset. The unrecognized costs represent actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs which had not been expensed.
For PSE&G, the Regulatory Asset is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For Power, the charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Effective January 1, 2016, PSEG changed the approach used to measure future service and interest costs for pension benefits. For 2015 and prior, PSEG calculated service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For 2016 and beyond, PSEG has elected to calculate service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to the plans’ liability cash flows. PSEG believes the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of the plan obligations. As a change in accounting estimate, this change was reflected prospectively. Pension and OPEB costs, net of amounts capitalized, were reduced by $34 million and $13 million, respectively, as compared to the 2016 amounts that would have been derived from applying PSEG’s 2015 and prior years’ methodology.
As of December 31, 2016, PSEG merged its three qualified defined benefit pension plans (excluding Servco plans) into one plan, thereby also merging all of the pension plans’ assets. No changes were made to the benefit formulas, the vesting provisions, or to the employees covered by the plans.
Amounts for Servco are not included in any of the following pension and OPEB benefit information for PSEG and its affiliates but rather are separately disclosed later in this note.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets during each of the two years in the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year (A)
 
$
5,522

 
$
5,722

 
$
1,612

 
$
1,638

 
 
Service Cost
 
109

 
123

 
17

 
22

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss (B)
 
219

 
(289
)
 
127

 
(45
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
2

 

 
(4
)
 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
5,772

 
$
5,522

 
$
1,754

 
$
1,612

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
5,039

 
$
5,293

 
$
374

 
$
361

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
403

 
(11
)
 
32

 
(1
)
 
 
Employer Contributions
 
33

 
25

 
71

 
84

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
5,193

 
$
5,039

 
$
420

 
$
374

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Assets (included in Other Special Funds)
 
$

 
$
14

 
$

 
$

 
 
Current Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
 
Noncurrent Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(568
)
 
(487
)
 
(1,324
)
 
(1,228
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulated Assets and Deferred Assets (B)
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(83
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
(25
)
 
 
Net Actuarial Loss
 
1,763

 
1,710

 
523

 
438

 
 
Total
 
$
1,700

 
$
1,627

 
$
509

 
$
413

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Includes $679 million ($398 million, after-tax) and $658 million ($386 million, after-tax) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss related to Pension and OPEB as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The pension benefits table above provides information relating to the funded status of the qualified, nonqualified pension and OPEB plans on an aggregate basis. As of December 31, 2016, PSEG had funded approximately 90% of its projected benefit obligation. This percentage does not include $217 million of assets in the Rabbi Trust as of December 31, 2016 which were used partially to fund the nonqualified pension plans. As of December 31, 2016, the nonqualified pension plans included in the projected benefit obligation in the above table were $161 million. The fair values of the Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Special Funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all PSEG’s defined benefit pension plans was $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2015.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
109

 
$
123

 
$
104

 
$
17

 
$
22

 
18

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
69

 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(394
)
 
(414
)
 
(399
)
 
(31
)
 
(31
)
 
(26
)
 
 
Amortization of Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Credit
 
(19
)
 
(19
)
 
(18
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
 
Actuarial Loss
 
158

 
150

 
56

 
40

 
43

 
23

 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pension costs and OPEB costs for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
29

 
$
40

 
$
(19
)
 
$
43

 
$
55

 
$
46

 
 
Power
 
16

 
21

 
(7
)
 
23

 
27

 
20

 
 
Other
 
11

 
13

 
3

 
5

 
5

 
4

 
 
Total Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table provides the pre-tax changes recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
 
OPEB
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Actuarial (Gain) Loss in Current Period
 
$
211

 
$
136

 
$
125

 
$
(14
)
 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Gain (Loss)
 
(158
)
 
(150
)
 
(40
)
 
(43
)
 
 
Prior Service Cost (Credit) in current period
 
1

 

 
(3
)
 

 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Credit
 
19

 
19

 
14

 
14

 
 
Total
 
$
73

 
$
5

 
$
96

 
$
(43
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2017 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
$
97

 
$
51

 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.29
%
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
4.37
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Service Cost Interest Rate
 
4.81
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.87
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Interest Cost Interest Rate
 
3.75
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
3.76
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.75
%
 
7.40
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
11

 
$
12

 
$
13

 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
191

 
$
194

 
$
201

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(9
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(10
)
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(165
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
The investments of pension and OPEB plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension and OPEB plans are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. Use of the Master Trust permits the commingling of pension plan assets and OPEB plan assets for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets of the plans are commingled in the Master Trust, the Trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Trustee to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans. As of December 31, 2016, the pension plan interest and OPEB plan interest in such assets of the Master Trust were approximately 93% and 7%, respectively.
The following tables present information about the investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
107

 
$
105

 
$
2

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
944

 
944

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,387

 
1,247

 
140

 

 
 
  Preferred Stock
 
1

 
1

 

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
441

 

 
441

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
263

 

 
263

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
836

 

 
836

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,979

 
$
2,297

 
$
1,682

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,599

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
96

 
$
95

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
816

 
816

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,463

 
1,269

 
194

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
322

 

 
322

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
279

 

 
279

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
906

 

 
906

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,882

 
$
2,180

 
$
1,702

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,405

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Certain open-ended mutual funds with mainly short-term investments are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active market (Level 1). Certain temporary investments are valued using inputs such as time-to-maturity, coupon rate, quality rating and current yield (Level 2).
(B)
Common stocks and preferred stocks are measured using observable data in active markets and considered Level 1. Investments in certain commingled equity funds are measured at their published daily net asset value (NAV) available to investors; if they are redeemable daily without restrictions, they are classified as Level 1 or, if they have restrictions which prevent daily redemptions, they are classified as Level 2.
(C)
In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled equity funds. As a result, PSEG determined that certain commingled funds in the amount of $1,698 million at December 31, 2015 should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at their published price. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report such investments as Level 2. In addition, as part of our implementation of the new accounting guidance on investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient in 2016, the majority of these same commingled equity funds have been removed from the fair value hierarchy as they are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards. These funds do not meet the definition of readily determinable fair value due to limitations in published NAV (last business day of the month) and include certain redemption restrictions ranging from one to fifteen days advance notice prior to redemption days and limitations on withdrawals over 25% of the total fund. The objectives of these funds are mainly tracking the S&P Index or achieving long-term growth through investment in foreign equity securities and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. As a result of the error correction for the $1,698 million that should have been classified as Level 2 for 2015 and $1,504 million that was removed from the fair value hierarchy as part of the new guidance on NAV practical expedient implementation, $194 million has been reclassified to Level 2 as of December 31, 2015.
(D)
Fixed income securities include mainly investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, US Treasury obligations and Federal Agency asset-backed securities with a wide range of maturities. These investments are valued using an evaluated pricing approach that varies by asset class and reflects observable market information such as the most recent exchange price or quoted bid for similar securities. Market-based standard inputs typically include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads or the most recent quoted for similar securities which are a Level 2 measure.
(E)
Private equity investments include various limited partnerships that invest in operating companies through acquisitions or developing a portfolio of non-US distressed investments. These investments are valued at NAV on an annual basis and have significant redemption restrictions preventing redemption until fund liquidation and limited ability to sell these investments. These investments have been removed from the fair value hierarchy in accordance with the new guidance on NAV practical expedient.
(F)
Excludes net receivable of $14 million and $8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which consists of interest and dividend, receivables and payables related to pending securities sales and purchases.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
70
%
 
70
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
28

 
28

 
 
Other Investments
 
2

 
2

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. PSEG’s latest asset/liability study indicates that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. Derivative financial instruments are used by the plans’ investment managers primarily to adjust the fixed income duration of the portfolio and hedge the currency risk component of foreign investments. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.0% for 2016 and will be 7.8% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management and considered the plans’ historical annualized rate of return since inception, which was 9.3%.
Plan Contributions
PSEG plans to contribute $14 million into its OPEB plan during 2017.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to plan participants.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
310

 
$
82

 
 
2018
 
 
307

 
86

 
 
2019
 
 
319

 
90

 
 
2020
 
 
331

 
94

 
 
2021
 
 
343

 
99

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
1,887

 
534

 
 
Total
 
 
$
3,497

 
$
985

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

401(k) Plans
PSEG sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) defined contribution retirement plans. Eligible represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Employee Savings Plan (Savings Plan), while eligible non-represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Thrift and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (Thrift Plan). Eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any catch-up contributions for those employees age 50 and above. PSEG matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 7% of pay for Savings Plan participants and up to 8% of pay for Thrift Plan participants.
The amount paid for employer matching contributions to the plans for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrift Plan and Savings Plan
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
24

 
$
22

 
$
20

 
 
Power
 
12

 
12

 
11

 
 
Other
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
 
Total Employer Matching Contributions
 
$
41

 
$
39

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco Pension and OPEB
At the direction of LIPA, effective January 1, 2014, Servco established benefit plans that provide substantially the same benefits to its employees as those previously provided by National Grid Electric Services LLC (NGES), the predecessor T&D system manager for LIPA. Since the vast majority of Servco’s employees had worked under NGES’ T&D operations services arrangement with LIPA, Servco’s plans provide certain of those employees with pension and OPEB vested credit for prior years’ services earned while working for NGES. The benefit plans cover all employees of Servco for current service. Under the OSA, all of these and any future employee benefit costs are to be funded by LIPA. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entities. These obligations, as well as the offsetting long-term receivable, are separately presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in Servco’s benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year
 
$
211

 
$
195

 
$
375

 
$
452

 
 
Service Cost
 
24

 
26

 
12

 
17

 
 
Interest Cost
 
9

 
9

 
17

 
21

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
14

 
(20
)
 
50

 
(114
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
5

 
1

 

 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
262

 
$
211

 
$
452

 
$
375

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
97

 
$
69

 
$

 
$

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
10

 
(2
)
 

 

 
 
Employer Contributions
 
28

 
30

 
2

 
1

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
134

 
$
97

 
$

 
$

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Pension Costs of Servco
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
OPEB Costs of Servco
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(452
)
 
(375
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized (B)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Amounts equal to the accrued pension and OPEB costs of Servco are offset in Long-Term Receivable of VIE on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Pension and OPEB costs of Servco are accounted for according to the OSA. Servco recognizes expenses for contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees. Operating Revenues are recognized for the reimbursement of these costs. The pension-related revenues and costs for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $28 million, $30 million and $67 million, respectively. Servco has contributed its entire planned contribution amount to its pension plan trusts during 2016. The OPEB-related revenues earned and costs incurred in 2016 was $2 million, and were immaterial 2015 and 2014.
The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations of Servco:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.61
%
 
4.92
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.71
%
 
4.97
%
 
4.60
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.55
%
 
7.33
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
97

 
$
75

 
$
160

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(75
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(106
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
All the investments of Servco’s pension plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. The Actuary maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Actuary to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans.
The following tables present information about Servco’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)
 
$
96

 
$

 
$
96

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)
 
38

 

 
38

 

 
 
Total
 
$
134

 
$

 
$
134

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)

 
$
68

 
$

 
$
68

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)

 
29

 

 
29

 

 
 
Total
 
$
97

 
$

 
$
97

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Investments in commingled equity and bond funds have a readily determinable fair value as they publish a daily NAV available to investors which is the basis for current transactions and contain certain redemption restrictions requiring advance notice of one to two days for withdrawals (Level 2). In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled funds. As a result, PSEG determined that the commingled equity funds should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at the published price. In addition to the advance notice of one or two days, redemption days may be limited to twice per month for certain funds. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report the commingled equity fund balance of $68 million as of December 31, 2015 as Level 2.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans of Servco as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
71
%
 
71
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
29

 
29

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. The results from Servco’s latest asset/liability study indicated that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.7% for 2016 and will be 7.6% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management.
Plan Contributions
Servco plans to contribute $35 million into its pension plan during 2017.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to Servco’s plan participants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
2

 
$
4

 
 
2018
 
 
3

 
6

 
 
2019
 
 
5

 
9

 
 
2020
 
 
7

 
11

 
 
2021
 
 
8

 
13

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
76

 
96

 
 
Total
 
 
$
101

 
$
139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Servco 401(k) Plans
Servco sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are defined contribution retirement plans subject to ERISA. Eligible non-represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan I (Thrift Plan I), and eligible represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan II (Thrift Plan II). Participants in the Plans may contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any Catch-Up Contributions for those employees age 50 and above. Servco does not provide an employer match or core contribution for employees in Thrift Plan II. For employees in Thrift Plan I, Servco matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation and provides core contributions (based on years of service and age) to employees who do not participate in Servco’s Retirement Income Plan. The amounts expensed by Servco for employer matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively, and pursuant to the OSA, Servco recognizes Operating Revenues for the reimbursement of these costs.
Power [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Pension, OPEB and Savings Plans
Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans
PSEG sponsors qualified and nonqualified pension plans and OPEB plans covering PSEG’s and its participating affiliates’ current and former employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible employees participate in non-contributory pension and OPEB plans sponsored by PSEG and administered by Services. In addition, represented and nonrepresented employees are eligible for participation in PSEG’s two defined contribution plans described below.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power are required to record the under or over funded positions of their defined benefit pension and OPEB plans on their respective balance sheets. Such funding positions of each PSEG company are required to be measured as of the date of its respective year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. For underfunded plans, the liability is equal to the difference between the plan’s benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For OPEB plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. In addition, GAAP requires that the total unrecognized costs for defined benefit pension and OPEB plans be recorded as an after-tax charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a separate component of Stockholders’ Equity. However, for PSE&G, because the amortization of the unrecognized costs is being collected from customers, the accumulated unrecognized costs are recorded as a Regulatory Asset. The unrecognized costs represent actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs which had not been expensed.
For PSE&G, the Regulatory Asset is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For Power, the charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Effective January 1, 2016, PSEG changed the approach used to measure future service and interest costs for pension benefits. For 2015 and prior, PSEG calculated service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For 2016 and beyond, PSEG has elected to calculate service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to the plans’ liability cash flows. PSEG believes the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of the plan obligations. As a change in accounting estimate, this change was reflected prospectively. Pension and OPEB costs, net of amounts capitalized, were reduced by $34 million and $13 million, respectively, as compared to the 2016 amounts that would have been derived from applying PSEG’s 2015 and prior years’ methodology.
As of December 31, 2016, PSEG merged its three qualified defined benefit pension plans (excluding Servco plans) into one plan, thereby also merging all of the pension plans’ assets. No changes were made to the benefit formulas, the vesting provisions, or to the employees covered by the plans.
Amounts for Servco are not included in any of the following pension and OPEB benefit information for PSEG and its affiliates but rather are separately disclosed later in this note.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets during each of the two years in the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year (A)
 
$
5,522

 
$
5,722

 
$
1,612

 
$
1,638

 
 
Service Cost
 
109

 
123

 
17

 
22

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss (B)
 
219

 
(289
)
 
127

 
(45
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
2

 

 
(4
)
 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
5,772

 
$
5,522

 
$
1,754

 
$
1,612

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
5,039

 
$
5,293

 
$
374

 
$
361

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
403

 
(11
)
 
32

 
(1
)
 
 
Employer Contributions
 
33

 
25

 
71

 
84

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(282
)
 
(268
)
 
(57
)
 
(70
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
5,193

 
$
5,039

 
$
420

 
$
374

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Assets (included in Other Special Funds)
 
$

 
$
14

 
$

 
$

 
 
Current Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
 
Noncurrent Accrued Benefit Cost
 
(568
)
 
(487
)
 
(1,324
)
 
(1,228
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized
 
$
(579
)
 
$
(483
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
(1,238
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulated Assets and Deferred Assets (B)
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(83
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
(25
)
 
 
Net Actuarial Loss
 
1,763

 
1,710

 
523

 
438

 
 
Total
 
$
1,700

 
$
1,627

 
$
509

 
$
413

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Includes $679 million ($398 million, after-tax) and $658 million ($386 million, after-tax) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss related to Pension and OPEB as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The pension benefits table above provides information relating to the funded status of the qualified, nonqualified pension and OPEB plans on an aggregate basis. As of December 31, 2016, PSEG had funded approximately 90% of its projected benefit obligation. This percentage does not include $217 million of assets in the Rabbi Trust as of December 31, 2016 which were used partially to fund the nonqualified pension plans. As of December 31, 2016, the nonqualified pension plans included in the projected benefit obligation in the above table were $161 million. The fair values of the Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Special Funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all PSEG’s defined benefit pension plans was $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2015.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
109

 
$
123

 
$
104

 
$
17

 
$
22

 
18

 
 
Interest Cost
 
202

 
234

 
234

 
59

 
67

 
69

 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(394
)
 
(414
)
 
(399
)
 
(31
)
 
(31
)
 
(26
)
 
 
Amortization of Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Credit
 
(19
)
 
(19
)
 
(18
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
 
Actuarial Loss
 
158

 
150

 
56

 
40

 
43

 
23

 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pension costs and OPEB costs for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
Other Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
29

 
$
40

 
$
(19
)
 
$
43

 
$
55

 
$
46

 
 
Power
 
16

 
21

 
(7
)
 
23

 
27

 
20

 
 
Other
 
11

 
13

 
3

 
5

 
5

 
4

 
 
Total Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
$
56

 
$
74

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

 
$
87

 
$
70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table provides the pre-tax changes recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
 
OPEB
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Actuarial (Gain) Loss in Current Period
 
$
211

 
$
136

 
$
125

 
$
(14
)
 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Gain (Loss)
 
(158
)
 
(150
)
 
(40
)
 
(43
)
 
 
Prior Service Cost (Credit) in current period
 
1

 

 
(3
)
 

 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Credit
 
19

 
19

 
14

 
14

 
 
Total
 
$
73

 
$
5

 
$
96

 
$
(43
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2017 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
$
97

 
$
51

 
 
Prior Service Cost
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.29
%
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
4.37
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.54
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.58
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Service Cost Interest Rate
 
4.81
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.87
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Interest Cost Interest Rate
 
3.75
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.00
%
 
3.76
%
 
4.21
%
 
5.01
%
 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
3.61
%
 
4.61
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.75
%
 
7.40
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
11

 
$
12

 
$
13

 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
191

 
$
194

 
$
201

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Total of Service Cost and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(9
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(10
)
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(160
)
 
$
(165
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
The investments of pension and OPEB plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension and OPEB plans are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. Use of the Master Trust permits the commingling of pension plan assets and OPEB plan assets for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets of the plans are commingled in the Master Trust, the Trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Trustee to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans. As of December 31, 2016, the pension plan interest and OPEB plan interest in such assets of the Master Trust were approximately 93% and 7%, respectively.
The following tables present information about the investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
107

 
$
105

 
$
2

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
944

 
944

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,387

 
1,247

 
140

 

 
 
  Preferred Stock
 
1

 
1

 

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
441

 

 
441

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
263

 

 
263

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
836

 

 
836

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,979

 
$
2,297

 
$
1,682

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,599

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Cash Equivalents (A)
 
$
96

 
$
95

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
Equities (B)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common Stock
 
816

 
816

 

 

 
 
  Commingled (C)
 
1,463

 
1,269

 
194

 

 
 
Bonds (D)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  US Treasury
 
322

 

 
322

 

 
 
  Government—Other
 
279

 

 
279

 

 
 
  Corporate
 
906

 

 
906

 

 
 
Subtotal Fair Value
 
$
3,882

 
$
2,180

 
$
1,702

 
$

 
 
Measured at net asset value practical expedient (C)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commingled—Equities
 
1,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity (E)
 
19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fair Value (F)
 
$
5,405

 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Certain open-ended mutual funds with mainly short-term investments are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active market (Level 1). Certain temporary investments are valued using inputs such as time-to-maturity, coupon rate, quality rating and current yield (Level 2).
(B)
Common stocks and preferred stocks are measured using observable data in active markets and considered Level 1. Investments in certain commingled equity funds are measured at their published daily net asset value (NAV) available to investors; if they are redeemable daily without restrictions, they are classified as Level 1 or, if they have restrictions which prevent daily redemptions, they are classified as Level 2.
(C)
In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled equity funds. As a result, PSEG determined that certain commingled funds in the amount of $1,698 million at December 31, 2015 should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at their published price. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report such investments as Level 2. In addition, as part of our implementation of the new accounting guidance on investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient in 2016, the majority of these same commingled equity funds have been removed from the fair value hierarchy as they are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards. These funds do not meet the definition of readily determinable fair value due to limitations in published NAV (last business day of the month) and include certain redemption restrictions ranging from one to fifteen days advance notice prior to redemption days and limitations on withdrawals over 25% of the total fund. The objectives of these funds are mainly tracking the S&P Index or achieving long-term growth through investment in foreign equity securities and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. As a result of the error correction for the $1,698 million that should have been classified as Level 2 for 2015 and $1,504 million that was removed from the fair value hierarchy as part of the new guidance on NAV practical expedient implementation, $194 million has been reclassified to Level 2 as of December 31, 2015.
(D)
Fixed income securities include mainly investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, US Treasury obligations and Federal Agency asset-backed securities with a wide range of maturities. These investments are valued using an evaluated pricing approach that varies by asset class and reflects observable market information such as the most recent exchange price or quoted bid for similar securities. Market-based standard inputs typically include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads or the most recent quoted for similar securities which are a Level 2 measure.
(E)
Private equity investments include various limited partnerships that invest in operating companies through acquisitions or developing a portfolio of non-US distressed investments. These investments are valued at NAV on an annual basis and have significant redemption restrictions preventing redemption until fund liquidation and limited ability to sell these investments. These investments have been removed from the fair value hierarchy in accordance with the new guidance on NAV practical expedient.
(F)
Excludes net receivable of $14 million and $8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which consists of interest and dividend, receivables and payables related to pending securities sales and purchases.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
70
%
 
70
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
28

 
28

 
 
Other Investments
 
2

 
2

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. PSEG’s latest asset/liability study indicates that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. Derivative financial instruments are used by the plans’ investment managers primarily to adjust the fixed income duration of the portfolio and hedge the currency risk component of foreign investments. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.0% for 2016 and will be 7.8% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management and considered the plans’ historical annualized rate of return since inception, which was 9.3%.
Plan Contributions
PSEG plans to contribute $14 million into its OPEB plan during 2017.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to plan participants.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
310

 
$
82

 
 
2018
 
 
307

 
86

 
 
2019
 
 
319

 
90

 
 
2020
 
 
331

 
94

 
 
2021
 
 
343

 
99

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
1,887

 
534

 
 
Total
 
 
$
3,497

 
$
985

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

401(k) Plans
PSEG sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) defined contribution retirement plans. Eligible represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Employee Savings Plan (Savings Plan), while eligible non-represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Thrift and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (Thrift Plan). Eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any catch-up contributions for those employees age 50 and above. PSEG matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 7% of pay for Savings Plan participants and up to 8% of pay for Thrift Plan participants.
The amount paid for employer matching contributions to the plans for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrift Plan and Savings Plan
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
24

 
$
22

 
$
20

 
 
Power
 
12

 
12

 
11

 
 
Other
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
 
Total Employer Matching Contributions
 
$
41

 
$
39

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco Pension and OPEB
At the direction of LIPA, effective January 1, 2014, Servco established benefit plans that provide substantially the same benefits to its employees as those previously provided by National Grid Electric Services LLC (NGES), the predecessor T&D system manager for LIPA. Since the vast majority of Servco’s employees had worked under NGES’ T&D operations services arrangement with LIPA, Servco’s plans provide certain of those employees with pension and OPEB vested credit for prior years’ services earned while working for NGES. The benefit plans cover all employees of Servco for current service. Under the OSA, all of these and any future employee benefit costs are to be funded by LIPA. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entities. These obligations, as well as the offsetting long-term receivable, are separately presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in Servco’s benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year
 
$
211

 
$
195

 
$
375

 
$
452

 
 
Service Cost
 
24

 
26

 
12

 
17

 
 
Interest Cost
 
9

 
9

 
17

 
21

 
 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
14

 
(20
)
 
50

 
(114
)
 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Plan Amendments
 
5

 
1

 

 

 
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Year (A)
 
$
262

 
$
211

 
$
452

 
$
375

 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at Beginning of Year
 
$
97

 
$
69

 
$

 
$

 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
10

 
(2
)
 

 

 
 
Employer Contributions
 
28

 
30

 
2

 
1

 
 
Gross Benefits Paid
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year
 
$
134

 
$
97

 
$

 
$

 
 
Funded Status
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded Status (Plan Assets less Benefit Obligation)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
Additional Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Pension Costs of Servco
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
OPEB Costs of Servco
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(452
)
 
(375
)
 
 
Amounts Recognized (B)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(375
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits.
(B)
Amounts equal to the accrued pension and OPEB costs of Servco are offset in Long-Term Receivable of VIE on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Pension and OPEB costs of Servco are accounted for according to the OSA. Servco recognizes expenses for contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees. Operating Revenues are recognized for the reimbursement of these costs. The pension-related revenues and costs for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $28 million, $30 million and $67 million, respectively. Servco has contributed its entire planned contribution amount to its pension plan trusts during 2016. The OPEB-related revenues earned and costs incurred in 2016 was $2 million, and were immaterial 2015 and 2014.
The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations of Servco:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
4.61
%
 
4.92
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.71
%
 
4.97
%
 
4.60
%
 
 
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
 
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates as of December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administrative Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Health Care Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.55
%
 
7.55
%
 
7.33
%
 
 
Ultimate Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.75
%
 
4.75
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
Year Ultimate Rate Reached
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2025

 
2025

 
2021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Effect of a 1% Increase in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
97

 
$
75

 
$
160

 
 
Effect of a 1% Decrease in the Assumed Rate of Increase in Health Care Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(75
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(106
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plan Assets
All the investments of Servco’s pension plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. The Actuary maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Actuary to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans.
The following tables present information about Servco’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)
 
$
96

 
$

 
$
96

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)
 
38

 

 
38

 

 
 
Total
 
$
134

 
$

 
$
134

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices
for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Commingled Equities (A)

 
$
68

 
$

 
$
68

 
$

 
 
Commingled Bonds (A)

 
29

 

 
29

 

 
 
Total
 
$
97

 
$

 
$
97

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Investments in commingled equity and bond funds have a readily determinable fair value as they publish a daily NAV available to investors which is the basis for current transactions and contain certain redemption restrictions requiring advance notice of one to two days for withdrawals (Level 2). In 2016, PSEG re-evaluated the classification, within the fair value hierarchy, of its commingled funds. As a result, PSEG determined that the commingled equity funds should have been classified as Level 2 instead of Level 1, as previously presented for 2015, due to the funds having certain redemption restrictions which prevent daily redemptions at the published price. In addition to the advance notice of one or two days, redemption days may be limited to twice per month for certain funds. PSEG has determined that this error is immaterial to its previously filed financial reports and, accordingly, has corrected the error by revising the amounts disclosed for 2015 to report the commingled equity fund balance of $68 million as of December 31, 2015 as Level 2.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans of Servco as of the measurement date, December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
Investments
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Equity Securities
 
71
%
 
71
%
 
 
Fixed Income Securities
 
29

 
29

 
 
Total Percentage
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Servco utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. The results from Servco’s latest asset/liability study indicated that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.7% for 2016 and will be 7.6% for 2017. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management.
Plan Contributions
Servco plans to contribute $35 million into its pension plan during 2017.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to Servco’s plan participants:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
2017
 
 
$
2

 
$
4

 
 
2018
 
 
3

 
6

 
 
2019
 
 
5

 
9

 
 
2020
 
 
7

 
11

 
 
2021
 
 
8

 
13

 
 
2022-2026
 
 
76

 
96

 
 
Total
 
 
$
101

 
$
139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Servco 401(k) Plans
Servco sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are defined contribution retirement plans subject to ERISA. Eligible non-represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan I (Thrift Plan I), and eligible represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan II (Thrift Plan II). Participants in the Plans may contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any Catch-Up Contributions for those employees age 50 and above. Servco does not provide an employer match or core contribution for employees in Thrift Plan II. For employees in Thrift Plan I, Servco matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation and provides core contributions (based on years of service and age) to employees who do not participate in Servco’s Retirement Income Plan. The amounts expensed by Servco for employer matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively, and pursuant to the OSA, Servco recognizes Operating Revenues for the reimbursement of these costs.