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Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is a holding company with a diversified business mix within the energy industry. Its operations are primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States and in other select markets. PSEG’s principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries are:
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)—which is a public utility engaged principally in the transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and natural gas in certain areas of New Jersey. PSE&G is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE&G also invests in regulated solar generation projects and energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey, which are regulated by the BPU.
PSEG Power LLC (PSEG Power)—which is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States through its principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, PSEG Power owns and operates solar generation in various states. PSEG Power’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation by FERC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states in which they operate.
PSEG’s other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system under an Operations Services Agreement (OSA); PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which primarily has investments in leveraged leases; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides certain management, administrative and general services to PSEG and its subsidiaries at cost.
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).
Significant Accounting Policies
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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
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 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Other (A)
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
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

 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
21

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
147

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Current Assets
11

 

 

 
11

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Noncurrent Assets
18

 

 

 
18

 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
50

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent company), Energy Holdings and Services.
Derivative Instruments
Each company uses derivative instruments to manage risk pursuant to its business plans and prudent practices.
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, PSEG Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. PSEG 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. PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG Power and PSEG.
For cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction.
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 18. Financial Risk Management Activities.
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 PSEG Power’s revenues relate to bilateral contracts, which are accounted for on the accrual basis as the energy is delivered. PSEG Power’s revenue also includes changes in the value of energy derivative contracts that are not designated as NPNS. See Note 18. 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. PSEG 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 are also reported net based on PSEG 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.
For additional information regarding Revenues, see Note 3. Revenues.
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 average depreciation rate stated as a percentage of original cost of depreciable property was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
 
Electric Transmission
 
2.41
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.41
%
 
 
Electric Distribution
 
2.54
%
 
2.51
%
 
2.51
%
 
 
Gas Distribution
 
1.85
%
 
1.61
%
 
1.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG 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 56 years
nuclear generation assets—approximately 60 years
pumped storage facilities—76 years
solar assets—25 years to 35 years
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 PSEG 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFUDC/IDC Capitalized
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
81

 
7.22
%
 
$
70

 
7.74
%
 
$
73

 
7.42
%
 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
27

 
4.60
%
 
$
67

 
4.60
%
 
$
78

 
4.60
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 22. Income Taxes for further discussion.
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/Asset Dispositions for more information.
For PSEG 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 PSEG 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 asset subject to lease using specific assumptions tailored to each asset. Those valuations are compared to the recorded residual values to determine if an impairment is warranted.
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
PSE&G’s and PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
PSEG 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. PSEG Power also capitalizes spare parts that meet specific criteria. Capitalized spares are depreciated over the remaining lives of their associated assets.
Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, PSEG and its subsidiaries adopted new accounting guidance. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards for additional information.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, when acting as lessee or lessor, determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. PSEG assesses contracts to determine if the arrangement conveys (i) the right to control the use of the identified property, (ii) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the property, and (iii) the right to direct the use of the property.
PSEG and its subsidiaries are neither the lessee nor the lessor in any material leases that are not classified as operating leases.
Lessee—Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and Operating Lease Liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The current portion of Operating Lease Liabilities is included in Other Current Liabilities. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and noncurrent Operating Lease Liabilities are included as separate captions in Noncurrent Assets and Noncurrent Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power. PSEG and its subsidiaries do not recognize Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities for leases where the term is twelve months or less.
PSEG and its subsidiaries recognize the lease payments on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligations for those payments are incurred.
As lessee, most of the operating leases of PSEG and its subsidiaries do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, incremental borrowing rates are used based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The implicit rate is used when readily determinable. PSE&G’s incremental borrowing rates are based on secured borrowing rates. PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s incremental borrowing rates are generally unsecured rates. Having calculated simulated secured rates for each of PSEG and PSEG Power, it was determined that the difference between the unsecured borrowing rates and the simulated secured rates had an immaterial effect on their recorded Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities. Services, PSEG LI and other subsidiaries of PSEG that do not borrow funds or issue debt may enter into leases. Since these companies do not have credit ratings and related incremental borrowing rates, PSEG has determined that it is appropriate for these companies to use the incremental borrowing rate of PSEG, the parent company.
Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised.
PSEG and its subsidiaries have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For real estate, equipment and vehicle leases, the lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
Lessor—Property subject to operating leases, where PSEG or one of its subsidiaries is the lessor, is included in Property, Plant and Equipment and rental income from these leases is included in Operating Revenues.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are primarily related to real estate assets and solar generating facilities. PSEG and subsidiaries account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Energy Holdings is the lessor in leveraged leases. Leveraged lease accounting guidance is grandfathered for existing leveraged leases. Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases are accounted for in Operating Revenues and in Noncurrent Long-Term Investments. If modified after January 1, 2019, those leveraged leases will be accounted for as operating or financing leases. See Note 9. Long-Term Investments and Note 10. Financing Receivables.
See Note 8. Leases for detailed information on leases.
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 PSEG 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 debt securities are also included in Net Gains (Losses) on Trust Investments. See Note 11. Trust Investments for further discussion.
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) as well as investments in unlisted real estate which is valued via third-party appraisals.
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 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans for further discussion.
Basis Adjustment
PSE&G and PSEG Power have recorded a Basis Adjustment in their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the generation assets that were transferred from PSE&G to PSEG 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 PSEG Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $986 million is an addition to PSE&G’s Common Stockholder’s Equity and a reduction of PSEG Power’s Member’s Equity. These amounts are eliminated on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements.
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.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company  
Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is a holding company with a diversified business mix within the energy industry. Its operations are primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States and in other select markets. PSEG’s principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries are:
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)—which is a public utility engaged principally in the transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and natural gas in certain areas of New Jersey. PSE&G is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE&G also invests in regulated solar generation projects and energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey, which are regulated by the BPU.
PSEG Power LLC (PSEG Power)—which is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States through its principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, PSEG Power owns and operates solar generation in various states. PSEG Power’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation by FERC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states in which they operate.
PSEG’s other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system under an Operations Services Agreement (OSA); PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which primarily has investments in leveraged leases; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides certain management, administrative and general services to PSEG and its subsidiaries at cost.
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).
Significant Accounting Policies
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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
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 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Other (A)
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
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

 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
21

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
147

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Current Assets
11

 

 

 
11

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Noncurrent Assets
18

 

 

 
18

 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
50

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent company), Energy Holdings and Services.
Derivative Instruments
Each company uses derivative instruments to manage risk pursuant to its business plans and prudent practices.
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, PSEG Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. PSEG 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. PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG Power and PSEG.
For cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction.
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 18. Financial Risk Management Activities.
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 PSEG Power’s revenues relate to bilateral contracts, which are accounted for on the accrual basis as the energy is delivered. PSEG Power’s revenue also includes changes in the value of energy derivative contracts that are not designated as NPNS. See Note 18. 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. PSEG 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 are also reported net based on PSEG 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.
For additional information regarding Revenues, see Note 3. Revenues.
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 average depreciation rate stated as a percentage of original cost of depreciable property was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
 
Electric Transmission
 
2.41
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.41
%
 
 
Electric Distribution
 
2.54
%
 
2.51
%
 
2.51
%
 
 
Gas Distribution
 
1.85
%
 
1.61
%
 
1.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG 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 56 years
nuclear generation assets—approximately 60 years
pumped storage facilities—76 years
solar assets—25 years to 35 years
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 PSEG 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFUDC/IDC Capitalized
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
81

 
7.22
%
 
$
70

 
7.74
%
 
$
73

 
7.42
%
 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
27

 
4.60
%
 
$
67

 
4.60
%
 
$
78

 
4.60
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 22. Income Taxes for further discussion.
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/Asset Dispositions for more information.
For PSEG 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 PSEG 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 asset subject to lease using specific assumptions tailored to each asset. Those valuations are compared to the recorded residual values to determine if an impairment is warranted.
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
PSE&G’s and PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
PSEG 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. PSEG Power also capitalizes spare parts that meet specific criteria. Capitalized spares are depreciated over the remaining lives of their associated assets.
Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, PSEG and its subsidiaries adopted new accounting guidance. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards for additional information.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, when acting as lessee or lessor, determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. PSEG assesses contracts to determine if the arrangement conveys (i) the right to control the use of the identified property, (ii) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the property, and (iii) the right to direct the use of the property.
PSEG and its subsidiaries are neither the lessee nor the lessor in any material leases that are not classified as operating leases.
Lessee—Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and Operating Lease Liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The current portion of Operating Lease Liabilities is included in Other Current Liabilities. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and noncurrent Operating Lease Liabilities are included as separate captions in Noncurrent Assets and Noncurrent Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power. PSEG and its subsidiaries do not recognize Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities for leases where the term is twelve months or less.
PSEG and its subsidiaries recognize the lease payments on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligations for those payments are incurred.
As lessee, most of the operating leases of PSEG and its subsidiaries do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, incremental borrowing rates are used based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The implicit rate is used when readily determinable. PSE&G’s incremental borrowing rates are based on secured borrowing rates. PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s incremental borrowing rates are generally unsecured rates. Having calculated simulated secured rates for each of PSEG and PSEG Power, it was determined that the difference between the unsecured borrowing rates and the simulated secured rates had an immaterial effect on their recorded Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities. Services, PSEG LI and other subsidiaries of PSEG that do not borrow funds or issue debt may enter into leases. Since these companies do not have credit ratings and related incremental borrowing rates, PSEG has determined that it is appropriate for these companies to use the incremental borrowing rate of PSEG, the parent company.
Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised.
PSEG and its subsidiaries have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For real estate, equipment and vehicle leases, the lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
Lessor—Property subject to operating leases, where PSEG or one of its subsidiaries is the lessor, is included in Property, Plant and Equipment and rental income from these leases is included in Operating Revenues.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are primarily related to real estate assets and solar generating facilities. PSEG and subsidiaries account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Energy Holdings is the lessor in leveraged leases. Leveraged lease accounting guidance is grandfathered for existing leveraged leases. Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases are accounted for in Operating Revenues and in Noncurrent Long-Term Investments. If modified after January 1, 2019, those leveraged leases will be accounted for as operating or financing leases. See Note 9. Long-Term Investments and Note 10. Financing Receivables.
See Note 8. Leases for detailed information on leases.
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 PSEG 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 debt securities are also included in Net Gains (Losses) on Trust Investments. See Note 11. Trust Investments for further discussion.
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) as well as investments in unlisted real estate which is valued via third-party appraisals.
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 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans for further discussion.
Basis Adjustment
PSE&G and PSEG Power have recorded a Basis Adjustment in their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the generation assets that were transferred from PSE&G to PSEG 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 PSEG Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $986 million is an addition to PSE&G’s Common Stockholder’s Equity and a reduction of PSEG Power’s Member’s Equity. These amounts are eliminated on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements.
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.
PSEG Power LLC  
Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is a holding company with a diversified business mix within the energy industry. Its operations are primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States and in other select markets. PSEG’s principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries are:
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)—which is a public utility engaged principally in the transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and natural gas in certain areas of New Jersey. PSE&G is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE&G also invests in regulated solar generation projects and energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey, which are regulated by the BPU.
PSEG Power LLC (PSEG Power)—which is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States through its principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, PSEG Power owns and operates solar generation in various states. PSEG Power’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation by FERC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states in which they operate.
PSEG’s other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system under an Operations Services Agreement (OSA); PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which primarily has investments in leveraged leases; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides certain management, administrative and general services to PSEG and its subsidiaries at cost.
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).
Significant Accounting Policies
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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
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 in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Other (A)
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
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

 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
21

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
147

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Current Assets
11

 

 

 
11

 
 
Restricted Cash in Other Noncurrent Assets
18

 

 

 
18

 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
50

 
$
21

 
$
105

 
$
176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)
Includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent company), Energy Holdings and Services.
Derivative Instruments
Each company uses derivative instruments to manage risk pursuant to its business plans and prudent practices.
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, PSEG Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. PSEG 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. PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG Power and PSEG.
For cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction.
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 18. Financial Risk Management Activities.
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 PSEG Power’s revenues relate to bilateral contracts, which are accounted for on the accrual basis as the energy is delivered. PSEG Power’s revenue also includes changes in the value of energy derivative contracts that are not designated as NPNS. See Note 18. 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. PSEG 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 are also reported net based on PSEG 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.
For additional information regarding Revenues, see Note 3. Revenues.
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 average depreciation rate stated as a percentage of original cost of depreciable property was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
Avg Rate
 
 
Electric Transmission
 
2.41
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.41
%
 
 
Electric Distribution
 
2.54
%
 
2.51
%
 
2.51
%
 
 
Gas Distribution
 
1.85
%
 
1.61
%
 
1.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG 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 56 years
nuclear generation assets—approximately 60 years
pumped storage facilities—76 years
solar assets—25 years to 35 years
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 PSEG 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFUDC/IDC Capitalized
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
Millions
 
Avg Rate
 
 
PSE&G
 
$
81

 
7.22
%
 
$
70

 
7.74
%
 
$
73

 
7.42
%
 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
27

 
4.60
%
 
$
67

 
4.60
%
 
$
78

 
4.60
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 22. Income Taxes for further discussion.
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/Asset Dispositions for more information.
For PSEG 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 PSEG 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 asset subject to lease using specific assumptions tailored to each asset. Those valuations are compared to the recorded residual values to determine if an impairment is warranted.
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
PSE&G’s and PSEG 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 PSEG 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 PSEG 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
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.
PSEG 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. PSEG Power also capitalizes spare parts that meet specific criteria. Capitalized spares are depreciated over the remaining lives of their associated assets.
Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, PSEG and its subsidiaries adopted new accounting guidance. See Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards for additional information.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, when acting as lessee or lessor, determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. PSEG assesses contracts to determine if the arrangement conveys (i) the right to control the use of the identified property, (ii) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the property, and (iii) the right to direct the use of the property.
PSEG and its subsidiaries are neither the lessee nor the lessor in any material leases that are not classified as operating leases.
Lessee—Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and Operating Lease Liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The current portion of Operating Lease Liabilities is included in Other Current Liabilities. Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and noncurrent Operating Lease Liabilities are included as separate captions in Noncurrent Assets and Noncurrent Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power. PSEG and its subsidiaries do not recognize Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities for leases where the term is twelve months or less.
PSEG and its subsidiaries recognize the lease payments on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligations for those payments are incurred.
As lessee, most of the operating leases of PSEG and its subsidiaries do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, incremental borrowing rates are used based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The implicit rate is used when readily determinable. PSE&G’s incremental borrowing rates are based on secured borrowing rates. PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s incremental borrowing rates are generally unsecured rates. Having calculated simulated secured rates for each of PSEG and PSEG Power, it was determined that the difference between the unsecured borrowing rates and the simulated secured rates had an immaterial effect on their recorded Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities. Services, PSEG LI and other subsidiaries of PSEG that do not borrow funds or issue debt may enter into leases. Since these companies do not have credit ratings and related incremental borrowing rates, PSEG has determined that it is appropriate for these companies to use the incremental borrowing rate of PSEG, the parent company.
Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised.
PSEG and its subsidiaries have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For real estate, equipment and vehicle leases, the lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
Lessor—Property subject to operating leases, where PSEG or one of its subsidiaries is the lessor, is included in Property, Plant and Equipment and rental income from these leases is included in Operating Revenues.
PSEG and its subsidiaries, have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are primarily related to real estate assets and solar generating facilities. PSEG and subsidiaries account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Energy Holdings is the lessor in leveraged leases. Leveraged lease accounting guidance is grandfathered for existing leveraged leases. Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases are accounted for in Operating Revenues and in Noncurrent Long-Term Investments. If modified after January 1, 2019, those leveraged leases will be accounted for as operating or financing leases. See Note 9. Long-Term Investments and Note 10. Financing Receivables.
See Note 8. Leases for detailed information on leases.
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 PSEG 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 debt securities are also included in Net Gains (Losses) on Trust Investments. See Note 11. Trust Investments for further discussion.
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) as well as investments in unlisted real estate which is valued via third-party appraisals.
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 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans for further discussion.
Basis Adjustment
PSE&G and PSEG Power have recorded a Basis Adjustment in their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the generation assets that were transferred from PSE&G to PSEG 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 PSEG Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $986 million is an addition to PSE&G’s Common Stockholder’s Equity and a reduction of PSEG Power’s Member’s Equity. These amounts are eliminated on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements.
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.