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Recent Accounting Standards
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2019
LeasesAccounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, updated by ASUs 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20 and 2019-01
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 sales-type leases. The standard requires additional disclosure of key information. Existing guidance related to leveraged leases does not change.
PSEG adopted the optional transition method on January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment required to be
recorded to Retained Earnings at adoption. The optional transition method requires disclosure under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840—Leases, the previously existing lease guidance for prior periods.
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 record Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets of $261 million and Operating Lease Liabilities of $282 million. As part of that impact, PSEG reclassified deferred rent incentives and deferred rent liabilities of approximately $21 million, which were previously classified as Other Noncurrent Liabilities, to Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets in accordance with this standard. PSE&G’s assets and liabilities each increased by $91 million and PSEG Power’s assets and liabilities each increased by $46 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 PSEG Power. See Note 8. Leases for additional information.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities—ASU 2017-12, updated by ASU 2018-16 and 2019-04
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.
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 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 did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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.
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 the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 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.
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. PSEG 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 PSEG Power.
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.
This standard requires application on a prospective basis and disclosure of 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 early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019. See Note 12. Goodwill and Other Intangibles.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2019
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsASU 2016-13, updated by ASU 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11 and 2020-02
This accounting standard provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets. 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 debt securities will 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 the allowance for credit losses by financial asset type, including 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. The impact of adoption of this standard was immaterial on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 will 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 will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted.
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 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not expect a material impact on their respective 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 will 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 adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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. Amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
Simplifying the Accounting for Income TaxesASU 2019-12
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of certain exceptions to current requirements. Certain other requirements related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, step-up of tax basis of goodwill and allocation of consolidated taxes to legal entities have been added and certain clarifications were made to other requirements.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Certain amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Certain other amendments will be applied on either a retrospective basis for all periods presented or a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments will be applied on a prospective basis. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and HedgingASU 2020-01
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should consider transaction prices for purposes of measuring the fair value of certain equity securities immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. This accounting standard also clarifies that when accounting for contracts entered into to purchase equity securities, an entity should not consider whether, upon the settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or the fair value option.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. Under a prospective transition, PSEG will apply the amendments at the beginning of the interim period that includes the adoption date. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
PSEG Power LLC  
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2019
LeasesAccounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, updated by ASUs 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20 and 2019-01
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 sales-type leases. The standard requires additional disclosure of key information. Existing guidance related to leveraged leases does not change.
PSEG adopted the optional transition method on January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment required to be
recorded to Retained Earnings at adoption. The optional transition method requires disclosure under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840—Leases, the previously existing lease guidance for prior periods.
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 record Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets of $261 million and Operating Lease Liabilities of $282 million. As part of that impact, PSEG reclassified deferred rent incentives and deferred rent liabilities of approximately $21 million, which were previously classified as Other Noncurrent Liabilities, to Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets in accordance with this standard. PSE&G’s assets and liabilities each increased by $91 million and PSEG Power’s assets and liabilities each increased by $46 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 PSEG Power. See Note 8. Leases for additional information.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities—ASU 2017-12, updated by ASU 2018-16 and 2019-04
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.
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 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 did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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.
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 the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 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.
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. PSEG 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 PSEG Power.
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.
This standard requires application on a prospective basis and disclosure of 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 early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019. See Note 12. Goodwill and Other Intangibles.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2019
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsASU 2016-13, updated by ASU 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11 and 2020-02
This accounting standard provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets. 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 debt securities will 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 the allowance for credit losses by financial asset type, including 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. The impact of adoption of this standard was immaterial on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 will 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 will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted.
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 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not expect a material impact on their respective 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 will 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 adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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. Amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
Simplifying the Accounting for Income TaxesASU 2019-12
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of certain exceptions to current requirements. Certain other requirements related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, step-up of tax basis of goodwill and allocation of consolidated taxes to legal entities have been added and certain clarifications were made to other requirements.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Certain amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Certain other amendments will be applied on either a retrospective basis for all periods presented or a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments will be applied on a prospective basis. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and HedgingASU 2020-01
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should consider transaction prices for purposes of measuring the fair value of certain equity securities immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. This accounting standard also clarifies that when accounting for contracts entered into to purchase equity securities, an entity should not consider whether, upon the settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or the fair value option.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. Under a prospective transition, PSEG will apply the amendments at the beginning of the interim period that includes the adoption date. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company  
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2019
LeasesAccounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, updated by ASUs 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20 and 2019-01
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 sales-type leases. The standard requires additional disclosure of key information. Existing guidance related to leveraged leases does not change.
PSEG adopted the optional transition method on January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment required to be
recorded to Retained Earnings at adoption. The optional transition method requires disclosure under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840—Leases, the previously existing lease guidance for prior periods.
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 record Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets of $261 million and Operating Lease Liabilities of $282 million. As part of that impact, PSEG reclassified deferred rent incentives and deferred rent liabilities of approximately $21 million, which were previously classified as Other Noncurrent Liabilities, to Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets in accordance with this standard. PSE&G’s assets and liabilities each increased by $91 million and PSEG Power’s assets and liabilities each increased by $46 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 PSEG Power. See Note 8. Leases for additional information.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities—ASU 2017-12, updated by ASU 2018-16 and 2019-04
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.
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 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 did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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.
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 the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 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.
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. PSEG 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 PSEG Power.
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.
This standard requires application on a prospective basis and disclosure of 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 early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019. See Note 12. Goodwill and Other Intangibles.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2019
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsASU 2016-13, updated by ASU 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11 and 2020-02
This accounting standard provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets. 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 debt securities will 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 the allowance for credit losses by financial asset type, including 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. The impact of adoption of this standard was immaterial on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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 will 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 will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted.
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 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not expect a material impact on their respective 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 will 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 adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
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. Amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
Simplifying the Accounting for Income TaxesASU 2019-12
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of certain exceptions to current requirements. Certain other requirements related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, step-up of tax basis of goodwill and allocation of consolidated taxes to legal entities have been added and certain clarifications were made to other requirements.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Certain amendments in this standard will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Certain other amendments will be applied on either a retrospective basis for all periods presented or a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments will be applied on a prospective basis. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and HedgingASU 2020-01
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should consider transaction prices for purposes of measuring the fair value of certain equity securities immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. This accounting standard also clarifies that when accounting for contracts entered into to purchase equity securities, an entity should not consider whether, upon the settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or the fair value option.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. Under a prospective transition, PSEG will apply the amendments at the beginning of the interim period that includes the adoption date. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.