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Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies  
Basis Of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The respective financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to Annual Reports on Form 10-K and in accordance with accounting guidance generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).
Principles Of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
Each company consolidates those entities in which it has a controlling interest or is the primary beneficiary. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entity. Entities over which the companies exhibit significant influence, but do not have a controlling interest and/or are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. For investments in which significant influence does not exist and the investor is not the primary beneficiary, the cost method of accounting is applied. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
PSE&G and Power also have undivided interests in certain jointly-owned facilities, with each responsible for paying its respective ownership share of construction costs, fuel purchases and operating expenses. PSE&G and Power consolidate their portion of any revenues and expenses related to their respective jointly-owned facilities in the appropriate revenue and expense categories.
Accounting For The Effects Of Regulation
Accounting for the Effects of Regulation
In accordance with accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities, PSE&G’s financial statements reflect the economic effects of regulation. PSE&G defers the recognition of costs (a Regulatory Asset) or records the recognition of obligations (a Regulatory Liability) if it is probable that, through the rate-making process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Accordingly, PSE&G has deferred certain costs and recoveries, which are being amortized over various future periods. To the extent that collection of any such costs or payment of liabilities becomes no longer probable as a result of changes in regulation and/or competitive position, the associated Regulatory Asset or Liability is charged or credited to income. Management believes that PSE&G’s T&D businesses continue to meet the accounting requirements for rate-regulated entities. For additional information, see Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments
Each company uses derivative instruments to manage risk pursuant to its business plans and prudent practices.
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. Power is exposed to commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity, fossil fuels and other commodities. Fluctuations in market prices result from changes in supply and demand, fuel costs, market conditions, weather, state and federal regulatory policies, environmental policies, transmission availability and other factors. Power uses a variety of derivative and non-derivative instruments, such as financial options, futures, swaps, fuel purchases and forward purchases and sales of electricity, to manage the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and optimize the value of Power’s expected generation. Changes in the fair market value of the derivative contracts are recorded in earnings.
Determining whether a contract qualifies as a derivative requires that management exercise significant judgment, including assessing the contract’s market liquidity. PSEG has determined that contracts to purchase and sell certain products do not meet the definition of a derivative under the current authoritative guidance since they do not provide for net settlement, or the markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that physical forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.
Under current authoritative guidance, all derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value, except for derivatives that are designated as normal purchases and normal sales (NPNS). Further, derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting can be designated as fair value or cash flow hedges. For fair value hedges, changes in fair values for both the derivative and the underlying hedged exposure are recognized in earnings each period.
Certain offsetting derivative assets and liabilities are subject to a master netting or similar agreement. In general, the terms of the agreements provide that in the event of an early termination the counterparties have the right to offset amounts owed or owing under that and any other agreement with the same counterparty. Accordingly, these positions are offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Power and PSEG.
For cash flow hedges, the portion of the derivative gain or loss that is effective in offsetting the change in the hedged cash flows of the underlying exposure is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in current period earnings.
For derivative contracts that do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges or as NPNS, changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings. PSEG does not currently elect fair value or cash flow hedge accounting on its commodity derivative positions.
Contracts that qualify for, and are designated, as NPNS are accounted for upon settlement. Contracts which qualify for NPNS are contracts for which physical delivery is probable, they will not be financially settled, and the quantities under contract are expected to be used or sold in the normal course of business over a reasonable period of time.
For additional information regarding derivative financial instruments, see Note 17. Financial Risk Management Activities.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
PSE&G’s regulated electric and gas revenues are recorded primarily based on services rendered to customers. PSE&G records unbilled revenues for the estimated amount customers will be billed for services rendered from the time meters were last read to the end of the respective accounting period. The unbilled revenue is estimated each month based on usage per day, the number of unbilled days in the period, estimated seasonal loads based upon the time of year and the variance of actual degree-days and temperature-humidity-index hours of the unbilled period from expected norms.
Regulated revenues from the transmission of electricity are recognized as services are provided based on a FERC-approved annual formula rate mechanism. This mechanism provides for an annual filing of estimated revenue requirement with rates effective January 1 of each year. After completion of the annual period ending December 31, PSE&G files a true-up whereby it compares its actual revenue requirement to the original estimate to determine any over or under collection of revenue. PSE&G records the estimated financial statement impact of the difference between the actual and the filed revenue requirement as a refund or deferral for future recovery when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated in accordance with accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities.
The majority of Power’s revenues relate to bilateral contracts, which are accounted for on the accrual basis as the energy is delivered. Power’s revenue also includes changes in the value of energy derivative contracts that are not designated as NPNS. See Note 17. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion.
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM), the Independent System Operator-New England (ISO-NE) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) facilitate the dispatch of energy and energy-related products. Power generally reports electricity sales and purchases conducted with those individual ISOs on a net hourly basis in either Revenues or Energy Costs in its Consolidated Statement of Operations, the classification of which depends on the net hourly activity. Capacity revenue and expense is also reported net based on Power’s monthly net sale or purchase position in the individual ISOs.
PSEG LI is the primary beneficiary of Long Island Electric Utility Servco, LLC (Servco). For transactions in which Servco acts as principal, Servco records revenues and the related pass-through expenditures separately in Operating Revenues and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Expense, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entity for further information.
The majority of Energy Holdings' revenues relate to its investments in leveraged leases. Income on leveraged leases is recognized by a method which produces a constant rate of return on the outstanding net investment in the lease, net of the related deferred tax liability, in the years in which the net investment is positive. Any gains or losses incurred as a result of a lease termination are recorded as revenues as these events occur in the ordinary course of business of managing the investment portfolio.
For additional information regarding Revenues, see Note 3. Revenues.
Depreciation And Amortization
Depreciation and Amortization (D&A)
PSE&G calculates depreciation under the straight-line method based on estimated average remaining lives of the several classes of depreciable property. These estimates are reviewed on a periodic basis and necessary adjustments are made as approved by the BPU or FERC. The depreciation rate stated as a percentage of original cost of depreciable property was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
 
Electric Transmission
 
2.42
%
 
2.41
%
 
2.39
%
 
 
Electric Distribution
 
2.51
%
 
2.51
%
 
2.49
%
 
 
Gas Distribution
 
1.61
%
 
1.63
%
 
1.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Power calculates depreciation on generation-related assets under the straight-line method based on the assets’ estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives are:
general plant assets—3 years to 20 years
fossil production assets—30 years to 67 years
nuclear generation assets—approximately 60 years
pumped storage facilities—76 years
solar assets—25 years
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalized During Construction
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalized During Construction (IDC)
AFUDC represents the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance the construction of new utility assets at PSE&G. IDC represents the cost of debt used to finance construction at Power. The amount of AFUDC or IDC capitalized as Property, Plant and Equipment is included as a reduction of interest charges or other income for the equity portion. The amounts and average rates used to calculate AFUDC or IDC for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFUDC/IDC Capitalized
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
70

 
7.74
%
 
$
73

 
7.42
%
 
$
66

 
7.81
%
 
 
Power
 
$
67

 
4.60
%
 
$
78

 
4.60
%
 
$
54

 
4.87
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
PSEG and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and income taxes are allocated to PSEG’s subsidiaries based on the taxable income or loss of each subsidiary on a separate return basis in accordance with a tax sharing agreement between PSEG and each of its affiliated subsidiaries. Allocations between PSEG and its subsidiaries are recorded through intercompany accounts. Investment tax credits deferred in prior years are being amortized over the useful lives of the related property.
Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach, a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion and a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more-likely-than-not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit will be recorded. Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold. See Note 21. Income Taxes for further discussion.
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Leveraged Leases
Management evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in regulation, business climate, counterparty credit worthiness or market conditions, including prolonged periods of adverse commodity and capacity prices or a current expectation that a long-lived asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, could potentially indicate an asset’s or asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. In such an event, an undiscounted cash flow analysis is performed to determine if an impairment exists. When a long-lived asset’s or asset group’s carrying amount exceeds the associated undiscounted estimated future cash flows, the asset/asset group is considered impaired to the extent that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. An impairment would result in a reduction of the value of the long-lived asset/asset group through a non-cash charge to earnings. See Note 4. Early Plant Retirements for more information.
For Power, cash flows for long-lived assets and asset groups are determined at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The cash flows from the generation units are generally evaluated at a regional portfolio level (PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE) along with cash flows generated from the customer supply and risk management activities, inclusive of cash flows from contracts, including those that are accounted for as derivatives and meet the NPNS scope exception. In certain cases, generation assets are evaluated on an individual basis where those assets are individually contracted on a long-term basis with a third party and operations are independent of other generation assets (typically Power’s solar plants and Kalaeloa).
Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases are comprised of Lease Receivables (net of non-recourse debt), the estimated residual value of leased assets, and unearned and deferred income. Residual values are the estimated values of the leased assets at the end of the respective lease per the original lease terms, net of any subsequent impairments. A review of the residual valuations, which are calculated by discounting the cash flows related to the leased assets after the lease term, is performed at least annually for each plant subject to lease using specific assumptions tailored to each plant. Those valuations are compared to the recorded residual values to determine if an impairment is warranted.
Cash And Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash consists primarily of deposits received related to various construction projects at PSE&G.
The following provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts for the beginning (December 31, 2017) and ending periods shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSE&G
 
Power
 
Other (A)
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
242

 
$
32

 
$
39

 
$
313

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Current Assets

 

 

 

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Noncurrent Assets
2

 

 

 
2

 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
244

 
$
32

 
$
39

 
$
315

 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
39

 
$
22

 
$
116

 
$
177

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Current Assets
8

 

 

 
8

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Noncurrent Assets
14

 

 

 
14

 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
61

 
$
22

 
$
116

 
$
199

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent corporation), Energy Holdings and Services.
Accounts Receivable-Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable—Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
PSE&G’s accounts receivable are reported in the balance sheet as gross outstanding amounts adjusted for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects PSE&G’s best estimates of losses on the accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on accounts receivable aging, historical experience, write-off forecasts and other currently available evidence.
Accounts receivable are charged off in the period in which the receivable is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable are recorded when it is known they will be received.
Materials And Supplies And Fuel
Materials and Supplies and Fuel
PSE&G’s and Power’s materials and supplies are carried at average cost and charged to inventory when purchased and expensed or capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment, as appropriate, when installed or used. Fuel inventory at Power is valued at the lower of average cost or market and includes stored natural gas, coal, fuel oil and propane used to generate power and to satisfy obligations under Power’s gas supply contracts with PSE&G. The costs of fuel, including initial transportation costs, are included in inventory when purchased and charged to Energy Costs when used or sold. The cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized within Property, Plant and Equipment and amortized to fuel expense using the units-of-production method.
Property, Plant And Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
PSE&G’s additions to and replacements of existing property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. The cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of minor items of property is charged to expense as incurred. At the time units of depreciable property are retired or otherwise disposed of, the original cost, adjusted for net salvage value, is charged to accumulated depreciation.
Power capitalizes costs, including those related to its jointly-owned facilities, which increase the capacity, improve or extend the life of an existing asset, represent a newly acquired or constructed asset or represent the replacement of a retired asset. The cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of minor items of property is charged to appropriate expense accounts as incurred. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination or if the costs improve existing assets’ environmental safety or efficiency. All other environmental expenditures are expensed as incurred. Power also capitalizes spare parts that meet specific criteria. Capitalized spares are depreciated over the remaining lives of their associated assets.
Trust Investments
Trust Investments
These securities comprise the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) Fund, a master independent external trust account maintained to provide for the costs of decommissioning upon termination of operations of Power’s nuclear facilities and amounts that are deposited to fund a Rabbi Trust which was established to meet the obligations related to non-qualified pension plans and deferred compensation plans.
Effective January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses on equity security investments are recorded in Net Income instead of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The debt securities continue to be classified as available-for-sale with the unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Realized gains and losses on both equity and available-for-sale debt security investments are recorded in earnings and are included with the unrealized gains and losses on equity securities in Net Gains (Losses) on Trust Investments. Other-than-temporary impairments on NDT and Rabbi Trust securities are also included in Net Gains (Losses) on Trust Investments. See Note 10. Trust Investments for further discussion.
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) Plan Assets
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) Plans
The market-related value of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans is equal to the fair value of those assets as of year-end. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices and independent pricing services based upon the security type as reported by the trustee at the measurement date (December 31) for all plan assets.
PSEG recognizes a long-term receivable primarily related to future funding by LIPA of Servco’s recognized pension and OPEB liabilities. This receivable is presented separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG as a noncurrent asset.
Pursuant to the OSA, Servco records expense for contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees.
See Note 13. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plan for further discussion.
Basis Adjustment
Basis Adjustment
PSE&G and Power have recorded a Basis Adjustment in their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the generation assets that were transferred from PSE&G to Power in August 2000 at the price specified by the BPU. Because the transfer was between affiliates, the transaction was recorded at the net book value of the assets and liabilities rather than the transfer price. The difference between the total transfer price and the net book value of the generation-related assets and liabilities, $986 million, net of tax, was recorded as a Basis Adjustment on PSE&G’s and Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $986 million is an addition to PSE&G’s Common Stockholder’s Equity and a reduction of Power’s Member’s Equity. These amounts are eliminated on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements.
Use Of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2018
Revenue from Contracts With CustomersAccounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-09, updated by ASUs 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-13, 2017-14
This accounting standard, and related updates, were adopted on January 1, 2018 using the full retrospective transition method. There was no effect on Net Income as a result of adoption. However, certain retrospective adjustments were recorded in accordance with the new standard. At PSE&G, retrospective adjustments increased Operating Revenues by $90 million and $82 million, Energy Costs by $58 million and $77 million and O&M Expense by $32 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At Power, retrospective adjustments reduced Operating Revenues and Energy Costs by $70 million and $162 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For disclosure requirements under this standard, including Nature of Goods and Services, Disaggregation of Revenues, and Remaining Performance Obligations under Fixed Consideration Contracts, see Note 3. Revenues.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—ASU 2016-01
Power maintains an external master trust fund to provide for the costs of decommissioning upon termination of operations of its nuclear facilities. In addition, PSEG maintains a grantor trust which was established to meet the obligations related to its non-qualified pension plans and deferred compensation plans, commonly referred to as a “Rabbi Trust.”
This accounting standard was adopted on January 1, 2018. Under the new guidance, equity investments in Power’s NDT and PSEG’s Rabbi Trust Funds are measured at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses now recognized through Net Income instead of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). A cumulative effect adjustment was made to reclassify the net unrealized gains related to equity investments of $342 million ($176 million, net of tax) from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings on January 1, 2018. See Note 22. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax and Note 10. Trust Investments for further discussion.
Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments—ASU 2016-15
This accounting standard reduces the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the Statement of Cash Flows.
PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using a retrospective transition method and had no changes in its presentation of its Statement of Cash Flows for each period presented.
Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash—ASU 2016-18
This accounting standard was adopted on January 1, 2018. PSEG will continue the current balance sheet classification of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. PSEG has provided a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and has included a description of these amounts in Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies. The effect of adoption on the December 31, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows was immaterial.
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (OPEB)—ASU 2017-07
This accounting standard was adopted on January 1, 2018. Under the new guidance, entities are required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by their employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the Statement of Operations separately from the service cost component after Operating Income. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. As a result of adopting this standard, PSE&G reduced its charge to expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 by approximately $58 million. The Consolidated Statements of Operations were recast to show retrospective adjustments of the non-service cost components of net benefit credits (costs) of $(8) million and $(15) million at PSE&G and $8 million and $(4) million at Power, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, from O&M Expense to a new line item after Operating Income entitled Non-Operating Pension and OPEB Credits (Costs). See Note 13. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plan.
Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting—ASU 2017-09
This accounting standard was adopted on January 1, 2018. The standard will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after January 1, 2018. There was no material impact on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements in 2018 from adoption of this new standard.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
LeasesASU 2016-02, updated by ASUs 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11 and 2018-20
This accounting standard, and related updates, replace existing lease accounting guidance and require lessees to recognize leases with a term greater than 12 months on the balance sheet using a right-of-use asset approach. At lease commencement, a lessee will recognize a lease asset and corresponding lease obligation. A lessee will classify its leases as either finance leases or operating leases and a lessor will classify its leases as operating leases, direct financing leases, or as sales-type leases. The standard requires additional disclosure of key information. Existing guidance related to leveraged leases does not change. Effective January 1, 2019, PSEG elected the prospective transition approach for all existing leases. There was no cumulative effect adjustment required to be recorded to Retained Earnings at adoption.
PSEG elected various practical expedients allowed by the standard, including the package of three practical expedients related to not reassessing existing or expired contracts and initial direct costs; and excluding evaluation of land easements that exist or expired before adoption that were not previously accounted for as leases.
The impact of adoption on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheet was to increase its assets and liabilities by approximately $280 million. PSE&G’s assets and liabilities each increased by approximately $100 million and Power’s assets and liabilities each increased by approximately $50 million. PSEG’s adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of PSEG, PSE&G and Power.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities—ASU 2017-12, updated by ASU 2018-16
This accounting standard’s amendments more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management activities in the financial statements and ease the operational burden of applying hedge accounting.
The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2019. The standard requires using a modified retrospective method upon adoption. PSEG analyzed the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and has determined that the standard could enable PSEG to enter into certain transactions that can be deemed hedges that previously would not have qualified. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on PSEG’s financial statements.
Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities—ASU 2017-08
This accounting standard was issued to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the standard requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date.
The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment directly to Retained Earnings as of the beginning of 2019. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on PSEG’s financial statements.
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income—ASU 2018-02
This accounting standard affects any entity that is required to apply the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) topic, “Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income,” and has items of Other Comprehensive Income for which the related tax effects are presented in Other Comprehensive Income as required by GAAP. Specifically, this standard allows entities to record a reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the recent decrease in the federal corporate income tax rate.
The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2019.
The impact of adoption on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheet was to increase Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by approximately $81 million. Power’s Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss increased by approximately $69 million. The impact on PSE&G’s Consolidated Balance Sheet was immaterial. PSEG’s adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of PSEG, PSE&G and Power.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsASU 2016-13, updated by ASU 2018-19
This accounting standard provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost. The new model requires entities to use an estimate of expected credit losses that will be recognized as an impairment allowance rather than a direct write-down of the amortized cost basis. The estimate of expected credit losses is to be based on past events, current conditions and supportable forecasts over a reasonable period. For purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, a similar model is to be used; however, the initial allowance will be added to the purchase price rather than reported as an allowance. Credit losses on available-for-sale securities should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, this standard requires those credit losses to be presented as an allowance, rather than a write-down. This new standard also requires additional disclosures of credit quality indicators for each class of financial asset disaggregated by year of origination.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; however, entities may adopt early beginning in the annual or interim periods after December 15, 2018. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value MeasurementASU 2018-13
This accounting standard modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Certain current disclosure requirements relating to Level 3 fair value measurements, and transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements will be eliminated. The standard will also add certain other disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Certain amendments in the standard should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments of the standard should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service ContractASU 2018-15
This accounting standard aligns the capitalization requirements for implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with capitalization requirements for implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, including hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. The standard follows the guidance in ASC 350—Intangibles—Goodwill and Other to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The standard requires the amortization of capitalized costs to be presented in O&M Expense. In addition, the standard also adds presentation requirements for these costs in the statements of cash flows and financial position.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. This standard should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities (VIE)ASU 2018-17
This accounting standard improves the VIE guidance in the area of decision-making fees. Consistent with how indirect interests held through related parties under common control are considered for determining whether a reporting entity must consolidate a VIE, indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests.
This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard is required to be applied retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill ImpairmentASU 2017-04
This accounting standard requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable.
An entity should apply this standard on a prospective basis and will be required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. The new standard is effective for impairment tests for periods beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. PSEG does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial statements.
Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit PlansASU 2018-14
This accounting standard modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans, including the elimination of certain current disclosure requirements. Certain other disclosure requirements related to interest crediting rates have been added and certain clarifications were made to other disclosure requirements.
The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. An entity should apply the amendments in this standard on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
PSE&G [Member]  
Accounting Policies  
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Electric and Gas Distribution and Transmission Revenues—PSE&G sells gas and electricity to customers under default commodity supply tariffs. PSE&G’s regulated electric and gas default commodity supply and distribution services are separate tariffs which are satisfied as the product(s) and/or services are delivered to the customer. The electric and gas commodity and delivery tariffs are recurring contracts in effect until cancellation by the customer. Revenue is recognized over time as the service is rendered to the customer. Included in PSE&G’s regulated revenues are unbilled electric and gas revenues which represent the estimated amount customers will be billed for services rendered from the most recent meter reading to the end of the respective accounting period.
PSE&G’s transmission revenues are earned under a separate FERC tariff. The performance obligation of transmission service is satisfied over time as it is provided to and consumed by the customer. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of the transmission service. PSE&G’s revenues from the transmission of electricity are recorded based on a FERC-approved annual formula rate mechanism. This mechanism provides for an annual filing of an estimated revenue requirement with rates effective January 1 of each year and a mechanism true-up to that estimate based on actual revenue requirements. The true-up mechanism is an alternative revenue which is outside the scope of revenue from contracts with customers.
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Other revenues from contracts with customers, which are not a material source of PSE&G revenues, are generated primarily from appliance repair services and solar generation projects. The performance obligations under these contracts are satisfied and revenue is recognized as control of products is delivered or services are rendered.
Payment for services rendered and products transferred are typically due within 30 days of month of delivery.
Revenues Unrelated to Contracts with Customers
Other PSE&G revenues unrelated to contracts with customers are derived from alternative revenue mechanisms recorded pursuant to regulatory accounting guidance. These revenues, which include weather normalization, green energy program true-ups and transmission formula rate true-ups, are not a material source of PSE&G revenues.
Power [Member]  
Accounting Policies  
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Electricity and Related Products—Wholesale and retail load contracts are executed in the different Independent System Operator (ISO) regions for the bundled supply of energy, capacity, renewable energy credits (RECs) and ancillary services representing Power’s performance obligations. Revenue for these contracts is recognized over time as the bundled service is provided to the customer. Transaction terms generally run from several months to three years. Power also sells to the ISOs energy and ancillary services which are separately transacted in the day-ahead or real-time energy markets. The energy and ancillary services performance obligations are typically satisfied over time as delivered and revenue is recognized accordingly. Power generally reports electricity sales and purchases conducted with those individual ISOs net on an hourly basis in either Operating Revenues or Energy Costs in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. The classification depends on the net hourly activity.
Power enters into capacity sales and capacity purchases through the ISOs. The transactions are reported on a net basis dependent on Power’s monthly net sale or purchase position through the individual ISOs. The performance obligations with the ISOs are satisfied over time upon delivery of the capacity and revenue is recognized accordingly. In addition to capacity sold through the ISOs, Power sells capacity through bilateral contracts and the related revenue is reported on a gross basis and recognized over time upon delivery of the capacity.
Gas Contracts—Power sells wholesale natural gas, primarily through an index based full requirements Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) contract with PSE&G to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s customers. The BGSS contract, which extends through March 2019, remains in effect thereafter unless terminated by either party with a two-year notice. The performance obligation is primarily delivery of gas which is satisfied over time. Revenue is recognized as gas is delivered. Based upon the availability of natural gas, storage and pipeline capacity beyond PSE&G’s daily needs, Power also sells gas and pipeline capacity to other counterparties under bilateral contracts. The performance obligation under these contracts is satisfied over time upon delivery of the gas or capacity, and revenue is recognized accordingly.
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Power enters into bilateral contracts to sell solar power and solar RECs from its solar facilities. Contract terms range from 15 to 30 years. The performance obligations are generally solar power and RECs which are transferred to customers upon generation. Revenue is recognized upon generation of the solar power.
Power has entered into long-term contracts with LIPA for energy management and fuel procurement services. Revenue is recognized over time as services are rendered.
Revenues Unrelated to Contracts with Customers
Power’s revenues unrelated to contracts with customers include electric, gas and certain energy-related transactions accounted for in accordance with Derivatives and Hedging accounting guidance. See Note 17. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion. Power is also a party to solar contracts that qualify as leases and are accounted for in accordance with lease accounting guidance.
Other [Member]  
Accounting Policies  
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
PSEG LI has a contract with LIPA which generates revenues. PSEG LI’s subsidiary, Servco records costs which are recovered from LIPA and records the recovery of those costs as revenues when Servco is a principal in the transaction.
Revenues Unrelated to Contracts with Customers
Energy Holdings generates lease revenues which are recorded pursuant to lease accounting guidance.