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Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Line Items]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,693

 
$
1,438

 
$
1,574

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
84

 
$
(97
)
 
$
86

 
 
State
 
18

 
83

 
(31
)
 
 
Total Current
 
102

 
(14
)
 
55

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
3

 
373

 
(482
)
 
 
State
 
132

 
71

 
92

 
 
Total Deferred
 
135

 
444

 
(390
)
 
 
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
 
20

 
(13
)
 
29

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,950

 
$
1,855

 
$
1,268

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
410

 
$
390

 
$
444

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
117

 
123

 
36

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 

 
(24
)
 
(3
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(18
)
 
(16
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
6

 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit) - Tax Act
 

 
3

 
(755
)
 
 
Other
 
(12
)
 
(6
)
 
5

 
 
Subtotal
 
(153
)
 
27

 
(750
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
13.2
%
 
22.5
%
 
(24.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
151

 
163

 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
97

 
71

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
76

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
64

 

 
 
Other
 
128

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
1,055

 
$
840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
5,051

 
$
4,817

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
876

 
756

 
 
Leasing Activities
 
284

 
307

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
277

 
196

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Pension Costs
 
98

 
111

 
 
Operating Leases
 
59

 

 
 
Other
 
273

 
12

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
7,026

 
$
6,288

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
5,971

 
$
5,448

 
 
ITC
 
285

 
265

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
6,256

 
$
5,713

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.




A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSE&G with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,250

 
$
1,067

 
$
973

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
121

 
$
(62
)
 
$
(52
)
 
 
State
 

 
1

 
(1
)
 
 
Total Current
 
121

 
(61
)
 
(53
)
 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(156
)
 
287

 
492

 
 
State
 
117

 
122

 
129

 
 
Total Deferred
 
(39
)
 
409

 
621

 
 
ITC
 
11

 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,343

 
$
1,411

 
$
1,536

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
282

 
$
296

 
$
538

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
92

 
98

 
83

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 
1

 
(1
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 

 
(10
)
 
 
Other
 

 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Subtotal
 
(189
)
 
48

 
25

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
6.9
%
 
24.4
%
 
36.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 














The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSE&G:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
97

 
114

 
 
     Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
42

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
55

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
754

 
$
720

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
3,754

 
$
3,622

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
588

 
486

 
 
Pension Costs
 
160

 
159

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Conservation Costs
 
44

 
36

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
183

 
84

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
4,858

 
$
4,476

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
4,104

 
$
3,756

 
 
ITC
 
85

 
74

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
4,189

 
$
3,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.






A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG Power with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
468

 
$
365

 
$
479

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
(48
)
 
$
(164
)
 
$
95

 
 
State
 
3

 
24

 
(17
)
 
 
Total Current
 
(45
)
 
(140
)
 
78

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
208

 
214

 
(804
)
 
 
State
 
31

 
1

 
(37
)
 
 
Total Deferred
 
239

 
215

 
(841
)
 
 
ITC
 
9

 
(9
)
 
34

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
 
$
671

 
$
431

 
$
(250
)
 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
141

 
$
91

 
$
(88
)
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
25

 
21

 
(36
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Tax Credits
 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
11

 
(24
)
 
7

 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
1

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 
(1
)
 
(610
)
 
 
Other
 
2

 
(1
)
 
3

 
 
Subtotal
 
62

 
(25
)
 
(641
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
30.3
%
 
15.3
%
 
291.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG Power:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
$
72

 
$
60

 
 
Pension Costs
 
61

 
52

 
 
OPEB
 
40

 
37

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
12

 

 
 
Contractual Liabilities & Environmental Costs
 
7

 
9

 
 
Other
 
30

 
61

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
237

 
$
219

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
1,292

 
$
1,189

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
282

 
260

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
278

 
197

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Other
 
45

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
1,912

 
$
1,646

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
1,675

 
$
1,427

 
 
ITC
 
201

 
192

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
1,876

 
$
1,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power each provide deferred taxes at the enacted statutory tax rate for all temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities irrespective of the treatment for rate-making purposes. Management believes that it is probable that the accumulated tax benefits that previously have been treated as a flow-through item to PSE&G customers will be recovered from or refunded to PSE&G’s customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate was reduced from a maximum of 35% to 21% resulting in a decrease in PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s effective income tax rates. To the extent allowed under the Tax Act, PSEG Power’s operating cash flows reflect the full expensing of qualifying capital investments for income tax purposes. The impact of the lower federal income tax rate on PSE&G was reflected in PSE&G’s 2018 distribution base rate proceeding and its 2018 transmission rate filing. The distribution base rate proceeding established a TAC mechanism that provides for the refund to customers of the excess deferred income tax regulatory liabilities as well as the flowback of previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions. The accounting for the TAC mechanism results in lower revenues and lower tax expense and a current effective tax rate for PSEG and PSE&G that is significantly lower than the statutory rate.
The decrease in the federal tax rate resulted in PSE&G recording excess deferred income taxes of approximately $2.1 billion and a Regulatory Liability of approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2018. In 2019, PSE&G returned approximately $380 million of excess deferred income taxes and previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions to its customers with a reduction to tax expense of approximately $272 million. The flowback to customers of the excess deferred income taxes and previously realized tax repair deductions resulted in a decrease of approximately $321 million in the Regulatory Liability. The current period tax repair deduction reduces tax expense and revenue and recognizes a Regulatory Asset as PSE&G believes it is probable that the current period tax repair deductions flowed through to the customers will be recovered from customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for additional information.
The Tax Act is generally expected to result in lower operating cash flows for PSE&G resulting from the elimination of bonus depreciation, partially offset by higher revenues due to the higher rate base.
In November 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations addressing the interest disallowance rules contained in the Tax Act. For non-regulated businesses, these rules set a cap on the amount of interest that can be deducted in a given year. Any amount that is disallowed can be carried forward indefinitely. For 2018 and 2019, a portion of PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s interest expense was disallowed for tax purposes but it is anticipated that these amounts will be realized in future periods. However, certain aspects of the proposed regulations are unclear. PSEG recorded taxes based on its interpretation of the relevant statutes.
In September 2019, the IRS released final and additional proposed regulations regarding the application of tax depreciation rules as amended by the Tax Act. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not believe the final or proposed regulations will materially impact their respective financial statements.
Amounts recorded under the Tax Act, including but not limited to depreciation and interest disallowance, are subject to change based on several factors, including but not limited to, the IRS and state taxing authorities issuing additional guidance and/or further clarification. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.
In 2019, PSE&G generated a $16 million New Jersey Corporate Business Tax NOL that is expected to be fully realized in the future. There are no other material tax carryforwards in other jurisdictions.
PSEG recorded the following amounts related to its unrecognized tax benefits, which were primarily comprised of amounts recorded for PSE&G, PSEG Power and Energy Holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2019
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
17

 
5

 
8

 
5

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(37
)
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
27

 
12

 
15

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(4
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2019
 
$
321

 
$
124

 
$
161

 
$
33

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(184
)
 
(71
)
 
(105
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
91

 
$
7

 
$
56

 
$
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2018
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
11

 
4

 
4

 
3

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(70
)
 
(31
)
 
(37
)
 
(2
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
52

 
3

 
48

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2018
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(173
)
 
(57
)
 
(104
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
99

 
$
5

 
$
47

 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2017
 
$
328

 
$
140

 
$
128

 
$
57

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
40

 
15

 
18

 
8

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(13
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
12

 
5

 
6

 
1

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2017
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(157
)
 
(73
)
 
(72
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(56
)
 
(56
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
121

 
$
6

 
$
70

 
$
41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG and its subsidiaries include accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions required to be recorded as Income Tax Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accumulated interest and penalties that are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on uncertain tax positions were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Interest and Penalties
on Uncertain Tax Positions
as of December 31,
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
40

 
$
43

 
$
70

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
16

 
$
12

 
$
25

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
12

 
$
9

 
$
24

 
 
Energy Holdings
 
$
13

 
$
22

 
$
21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


It is reasonably possible that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to either agreements with various taxing authorities upon audit, the expiration of the Statute of Limitations, or other pending tax matters. These potential increases or decreases are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Possible (Increase)/Decrease in Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
Over the next
12 Months
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
190

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
107

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
77

 
 
 
 
 
 

A description of income tax years that remain subject to examination by material jurisdictions, where an examination has not already concluded are:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
PSEG
 
PSE&G
  
PSEG Power
 
 
United States
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Federal
  
2011-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New Jersey
  
2011-2018
 
2011-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Pennsylvania
  
2015-2018
 
2015-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Connecticut
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
Maryland
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New York
  
2017-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New Jersey State Tax Reform
In July 2018, the State of New Jersey made changes to its income tax laws, including imposing a temporary surtax on allocated corporate taxable income of 2.5% effective January 1, 2018 and 2019 and 1.5% in 2020 and 2021, as well as requiring corporate taxpayers to file in a combined reporting group as defined under New Jersey law starting in 2019. Both provisions include an exemption for public utilities. PSEG believes PSE&G meets the definition of a public utility and, therefore, will not be impacted by the temporary surtax or be included in the combined reporting group.
The State of New Jersey issued further guidance regarding the temporary surtax and clarified that New Jersey net operating loss carryovers can be deducted in computing a taxpayer’s entire net income. This guidance has the effect of lowering or eliminating the temporary surtax.
There are certain aspects of the law that remain unclear. In particular, PSEG anticipates that the State of New Jersey will issue clarifying guidance regarding the combined reporting rules. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.
PSEG Power LLC  
Income Taxes [Line Items]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,693

 
$
1,438

 
$
1,574

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
84

 
$
(97
)
 
$
86

 
 
State
 
18

 
83

 
(31
)
 
 
Total Current
 
102

 
(14
)
 
55

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
3

 
373

 
(482
)
 
 
State
 
132

 
71

 
92

 
 
Total Deferred
 
135

 
444

 
(390
)
 
 
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
 
20

 
(13
)
 
29

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,950

 
$
1,855

 
$
1,268

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
410

 
$
390

 
$
444

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
117

 
123

 
36

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 

 
(24
)
 
(3
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(18
)
 
(16
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
6

 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit) - Tax Act
 

 
3

 
(755
)
 
 
Other
 
(12
)
 
(6
)
 
5

 
 
Subtotal
 
(153
)
 
27

 
(750
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
13.2
%
 
22.5
%
 
(24.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
151

 
163

 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
97

 
71

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
76

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
64

 

 
 
Other
 
128

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
1,055

 
$
840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
5,051

 
$
4,817

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
876

 
756

 
 
Leasing Activities
 
284

 
307

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
277

 
196

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Pension Costs
 
98

 
111

 
 
Operating Leases
 
59

 

 
 
Other
 
273

 
12

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
7,026

 
$
6,288

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
5,971

 
$
5,448

 
 
ITC
 
285

 
265

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
6,256

 
$
5,713

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.




A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSE&G with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,250

 
$
1,067

 
$
973

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
121

 
$
(62
)
 
$
(52
)
 
 
State
 

 
1

 
(1
)
 
 
Total Current
 
121

 
(61
)
 
(53
)
 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(156
)
 
287

 
492

 
 
State
 
117

 
122

 
129

 
 
Total Deferred
 
(39
)
 
409

 
621

 
 
ITC
 
11

 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,343

 
$
1,411

 
$
1,536

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
282

 
$
296

 
$
538

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
92

 
98

 
83

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 
1

 
(1
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 

 
(10
)
 
 
Other
 

 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Subtotal
 
(189
)
 
48

 
25

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
6.9
%
 
24.4
%
 
36.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 














The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSE&G:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
97

 
114

 
 
     Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
42

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
55

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
754

 
$
720

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
3,754

 
$
3,622

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
588

 
486

 
 
Pension Costs
 
160

 
159

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Conservation Costs
 
44

 
36

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
183

 
84

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
4,858

 
$
4,476

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
4,104

 
$
3,756

 
 
ITC
 
85

 
74

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
4,189

 
$
3,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.






A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG Power with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
468

 
$
365

 
$
479

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
(48
)
 
$
(164
)
 
$
95

 
 
State
 
3

 
24

 
(17
)
 
 
Total Current
 
(45
)
 
(140
)
 
78

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
208

 
214

 
(804
)
 
 
State
 
31

 
1

 
(37
)
 
 
Total Deferred
 
239

 
215

 
(841
)
 
 
ITC
 
9

 
(9
)
 
34

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
 
$
671

 
$
431

 
$
(250
)
 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
141

 
$
91

 
$
(88
)
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
25

 
21

 
(36
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Tax Credits
 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
11

 
(24
)
 
7

 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
1

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 
(1
)
 
(610
)
 
 
Other
 
2

 
(1
)
 
3

 
 
Subtotal
 
62

 
(25
)
 
(641
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
30.3
%
 
15.3
%
 
291.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG Power:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
$
72

 
$
60

 
 
Pension Costs
 
61

 
52

 
 
OPEB
 
40

 
37

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
12

 

 
 
Contractual Liabilities & Environmental Costs
 
7

 
9

 
 
Other
 
30

 
61

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
237

 
$
219

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
1,292

 
$
1,189

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
282

 
260

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
278

 
197

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Other
 
45

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
1,912

 
$
1,646

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
1,675

 
$
1,427

 
 
ITC
 
201

 
192

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
1,876

 
$
1,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power each provide deferred taxes at the enacted statutory tax rate for all temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities irrespective of the treatment for rate-making purposes. Management believes that it is probable that the accumulated tax benefits that previously have been treated as a flow-through item to PSE&G customers will be recovered from or refunded to PSE&G’s customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate was reduced from a maximum of 35% to 21% resulting in a decrease in PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s effective income tax rates. To the extent allowed under the Tax Act, PSEG Power’s operating cash flows reflect the full expensing of qualifying capital investments for income tax purposes. The impact of the lower federal income tax rate on PSE&G was reflected in PSE&G’s 2018 distribution base rate proceeding and its 2018 transmission rate filing. The distribution base rate proceeding established a TAC mechanism that provides for the refund to customers of the excess deferred income tax regulatory liabilities as well as the flowback of previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions. The accounting for the TAC mechanism results in lower revenues and lower tax expense and a current effective tax rate for PSEG and PSE&G that is significantly lower than the statutory rate.
The decrease in the federal tax rate resulted in PSE&G recording excess deferred income taxes of approximately $2.1 billion and a Regulatory Liability of approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2018. In 2019, PSE&G returned approximately $380 million of excess deferred income taxes and previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions to its customers with a reduction to tax expense of approximately $272 million. The flowback to customers of the excess deferred income taxes and previously realized tax repair deductions resulted in a decrease of approximately $321 million in the Regulatory Liability. The current period tax repair deduction reduces tax expense and revenue and recognizes a Regulatory Asset as PSE&G believes it is probable that the current period tax repair deductions flowed through to the customers will be recovered from customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for additional information.
The Tax Act is generally expected to result in lower operating cash flows for PSE&G resulting from the elimination of bonus depreciation, partially offset by higher revenues due to the higher rate base.
In November 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations addressing the interest disallowance rules contained in the Tax Act. For non-regulated businesses, these rules set a cap on the amount of interest that can be deducted in a given year. Any amount that is disallowed can be carried forward indefinitely. For 2018 and 2019, a portion of PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s interest expense was disallowed for tax purposes but it is anticipated that these amounts will be realized in future periods. However, certain aspects of the proposed regulations are unclear. PSEG recorded taxes based on its interpretation of the relevant statutes.
In September 2019, the IRS released final and additional proposed regulations regarding the application of tax depreciation rules as amended by the Tax Act. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not believe the final or proposed regulations will materially impact their respective financial statements.
Amounts recorded under the Tax Act, including but not limited to depreciation and interest disallowance, are subject to change based on several factors, including but not limited to, the IRS and state taxing authorities issuing additional guidance and/or further clarification. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.
In 2019, PSE&G generated a $16 million New Jersey Corporate Business Tax NOL that is expected to be fully realized in the future. There are no other material tax carryforwards in other jurisdictions.
PSEG recorded the following amounts related to its unrecognized tax benefits, which were primarily comprised of amounts recorded for PSE&G, PSEG Power and Energy Holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2019
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
17

 
5

 
8

 
5

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(37
)
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
27

 
12

 
15

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(4
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2019
 
$
321

 
$
124

 
$
161

 
$
33

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(184
)
 
(71
)
 
(105
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
91

 
$
7

 
$
56

 
$
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2018
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
11

 
4

 
4

 
3

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(70
)
 
(31
)
 
(37
)
 
(2
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
52

 
3

 
48

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2018
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(173
)
 
(57
)
 
(104
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
99

 
$
5

 
$
47

 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2017
 
$
328

 
$
140

 
$
128

 
$
57

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
40

 
15

 
18

 
8

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(13
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
12

 
5

 
6

 
1

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2017
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(157
)
 
(73
)
 
(72
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(56
)
 
(56
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
121

 
$
6

 
$
70

 
$
41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG and its subsidiaries include accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions required to be recorded as Income Tax Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accumulated interest and penalties that are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on uncertain tax positions were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Interest and Penalties
on Uncertain Tax Positions
as of December 31,
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
40

 
$
43

 
$
70

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
16

 
$
12

 
$
25

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
12

 
$
9

 
$
24

 
 
Energy Holdings
 
$
13

 
$
22

 
$
21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


It is reasonably possible that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to either agreements with various taxing authorities upon audit, the expiration of the Statute of Limitations, or other pending tax matters. These potential increases or decreases are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Possible (Increase)/Decrease in Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
Over the next
12 Months
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
190

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
107

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
77

 
 
 
 
 
 

A description of income tax years that remain subject to examination by material jurisdictions, where an examination has not already concluded are:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
PSEG
 
PSE&G
  
PSEG Power
 
 
United States
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Federal
  
2011-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New Jersey
  
2011-2018
 
2011-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Pennsylvania
  
2015-2018
 
2015-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Connecticut
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
Maryland
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New York
  
2017-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New Jersey State Tax Reform
In July 2018, the State of New Jersey made changes to its income tax laws, including imposing a temporary surtax on allocated corporate taxable income of 2.5% effective January 1, 2018 and 2019 and 1.5% in 2020 and 2021, as well as requiring corporate taxpayers to file in a combined reporting group as defined under New Jersey law starting in 2019. Both provisions include an exemption for public utilities. PSEG believes PSE&G meets the definition of a public utility and, therefore, will not be impacted by the temporary surtax or be included in the combined reporting group.
The State of New Jersey issued further guidance regarding the temporary surtax and clarified that New Jersey net operating loss carryovers can be deducted in computing a taxpayer’s entire net income. This guidance has the effect of lowering or eliminating the temporary surtax.
There are certain aspects of the law that remain unclear. In particular, PSEG anticipates that the State of New Jersey will issue clarifying guidance regarding the combined reporting rules. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company  
Income Taxes [Line Items]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,693

 
$
1,438

 
$
1,574

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
84

 
$
(97
)
 
$
86

 
 
State
 
18

 
83

 
(31
)
 
 
Total Current
 
102

 
(14
)
 
55

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
3

 
373

 
(482
)
 
 
State
 
132

 
71

 
92

 
 
Total Deferred
 
135

 
444

 
(390
)
 
 
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
 
20

 
(13
)
 
29

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,950

 
$
1,855

 
$
1,268

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
410

 
$
390

 
$
444

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
117

 
123

 
36

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 

 
(24
)
 
(3
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(18
)
 
(16
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
6

 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit) - Tax Act
 

 
3

 
(755
)
 
 
Other
 
(12
)
 
(6
)
 
5

 
 
Subtotal
 
(153
)
 
27

 
(750
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
257

 
$
417

 
$
(306
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
13.2
%
 
22.5
%
 
(24.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
151

 
163

 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
97

 
71

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
76

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
64

 

 
 
Other
 
128

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
1,055

 
$
840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
5,051

 
$
4,817

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
876

 
756

 
 
Leasing Activities
 
284

 
307

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
277

 
196

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Pension Costs
 
98

 
111

 
 
Operating Leases
 
59

 

 
 
Other
 
273

 
12

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
7,026

 
$
6,288

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
5,971

 
$
5,448

 
 
ITC
 
285

 
265

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
6,256

 
$
5,713

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.




A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSE&G with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
1,250

 
$
1,067

 
$
973

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
121

 
$
(62
)
 
$
(52
)
 
 
State
 

 
1

 
(1
)
 
 
Total Current
 
121

 
(61
)
 
(53
)
 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(156
)
 
287

 
492

 
 
State
 
117

 
122

 
129

 
 
Total Deferred
 
(39
)
 
409

 
621

 
 
ITC
 
11

 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Pre-Tax Income
 
$
1,343

 
$
1,411

 
$
1,536

 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
282

 
$
296

 
$
538

 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
92

 
98

 
83

 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
 
1

 
(1
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(23
)
 
 
Tax Credits
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
 
Tax Adjustment Credit
 
(272
)
 
(30
)
 

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 

 
(10
)
 
 
Other
 

 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Subtotal
 
(189
)
 
48

 
25

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense
 
$
93

 
$
344

 
$
563

 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
6.9
%
 
24.4
%
 
36.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 














The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSE&G:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSE&G
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Regulatory Liability Excess Deferred Tax
 
$
539

 
$
606

 
 
OPEB
 
97

 
114

 
 
     Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
42

 

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
55

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
754

 
$
720

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
3,754

 
$
3,622

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
588

 
486

 
 
Pension Costs
 
160

 
159

 
 
Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates (net)
 
108

 
89

 
 
Conservation Costs
 
44

 
36

 
 
Operating Leases
 
21

 

 
 
Other
 
183

 
84

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
4,858

 
$
4,476

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
4,104

 
$
3,756

 
 
ITC
 
85

 
74

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
4,189

 
$
3,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.






A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG Power with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Net Income
 
$
468

 
$
365

 
$
479

 
 
Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current (Benefit) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
(48
)
 
$
(164
)
 
$
95

 
 
State
 
3

 
24

 
(17
)
 
 
Total Current
 
(45
)
 
(140
)
 
78

 
 
Deferred Expense (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
208

 
214

 
(804
)
 
 
State
 
31

 
1

 
(37
)
 
 
Total Deferred
 
239

 
215

 
(841
)
 
 
ITC
 
9

 
(9
)
 
34

 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
 
$
671

 
$
431

 
$
(250
)
 
 
Tax Computed at Statutory Rate @ 21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017
 
$
141

 
$
91

 
$
(88
)
 
 
Increase (Decrease) Attributable to Flow-Through of Certain Tax Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Income Taxes (net of federal income tax)
 
25

 
21

 
(36
)
 
 
Manufacturing Deduction
 

 

 
(13
)
 
 
NDT Fund
 
34

 
(13
)
 
19

 
 
Tax Credits
 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
11

 
(24
)
 
7

 
 
Audit Settlement
 

 

 
1

 
 
Deferred Tax Benefit - Tax Act
 

 
(1
)
 
(610
)
 
 
Other
 
2

 
(1
)
 
3

 
 
Subtotal
 
62

 
(25
)
 
(641
)
 
 
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
$
203

 
$
66

 
$
(729
)
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
30.3
%
 
15.3
%
 
291.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG Power:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
PSEG Power
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Related to Uncertain Tax Positions
 
$
72

 
$
60

 
 
Pension Costs
 
61

 
52

 
 
OPEB
 
40

 
37

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Interest Disallowance Carry Forward
 
12

 

 
 
Contractual Liabilities & Environmental Costs
 
7

 
9

 
 
Other
 
30

 
61

 
 
Total Noncurrent Assets
 
$
237

 
$
219

 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-Related Items
 
$
1,292

 
$
1,189

 
 
New Jersey Corporate Business Tax
 
282

 
260

 
 
AROs and NDT Fund
 
278

 
197

 
 
Operating Leases
 
15

 

 
 
Other
 
45

 

 
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
1,912

 
$
1,646

 
 
Summary of Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
$
1,675

 
$
1,427

 
 
ITC
 
201

 
192

 
 
Net Total Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes and ITC
 
$
1,876

 
$
1,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power each provide deferred taxes at the enacted statutory tax rate for all temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities irrespective of the treatment for rate-making purposes. Management believes that it is probable that the accumulated tax benefits that previously have been treated as a flow-through item to PSE&G customers will be recovered from or refunded to PSE&G’s customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate was reduced from a maximum of 35% to 21% resulting in a decrease in PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s effective income tax rates. To the extent allowed under the Tax Act, PSEG Power’s operating cash flows reflect the full expensing of qualifying capital investments for income tax purposes. The impact of the lower federal income tax rate on PSE&G was reflected in PSE&G’s 2018 distribution base rate proceeding and its 2018 transmission rate filing. The distribution base rate proceeding established a TAC mechanism that provides for the refund to customers of the excess deferred income tax regulatory liabilities as well as the flowback of previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions. The accounting for the TAC mechanism results in lower revenues and lower tax expense and a current effective tax rate for PSEG and PSE&G that is significantly lower than the statutory rate.
The decrease in the federal tax rate resulted in PSE&G recording excess deferred income taxes of approximately $2.1 billion and a Regulatory Liability of approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2018. In 2019, PSE&G returned approximately $380 million of excess deferred income taxes and previously realized and current period deferred income taxes related to tax repair deductions to its customers with a reduction to tax expense of approximately $272 million. The flowback to customers of the excess deferred income taxes and previously realized tax repair deductions resulted in a decrease of approximately $321 million in the Regulatory Liability. The current period tax repair deduction reduces tax expense and revenue and recognizes a Regulatory Asset as PSE&G believes it is probable that the current period tax repair deductions flowed through to the customers will be recovered from customers in the future. See Note 7. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for additional information.
The Tax Act is generally expected to result in lower operating cash flows for PSE&G resulting from the elimination of bonus depreciation, partially offset by higher revenues due to the higher rate base.
In November 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations addressing the interest disallowance rules contained in the Tax Act. For non-regulated businesses, these rules set a cap on the amount of interest that can be deducted in a given year. Any amount that is disallowed can be carried forward indefinitely. For 2018 and 2019, a portion of PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s interest expense was disallowed for tax purposes but it is anticipated that these amounts will be realized in future periods. However, certain aspects of the proposed regulations are unclear. PSEG recorded taxes based on its interpretation of the relevant statutes.
In September 2019, the IRS released final and additional proposed regulations regarding the application of tax depreciation rules as amended by the Tax Act. PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power do not believe the final or proposed regulations will materially impact their respective financial statements.
Amounts recorded under the Tax Act, including but not limited to depreciation and interest disallowance, are subject to change based on several factors, including but not limited to, the IRS and state taxing authorities issuing additional guidance and/or further clarification. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.
In 2019, PSE&G generated a $16 million New Jersey Corporate Business Tax NOL that is expected to be fully realized in the future. There are no other material tax carryforwards in other jurisdictions.
PSEG recorded the following amounts related to its unrecognized tax benefits, which were primarily comprised of amounts recorded for PSE&G, PSEG Power and Energy Holdings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2019
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
17

 
5

 
8

 
5

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(37
)
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 
(22
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
27

 
12

 
15

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(4
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2019
 
$
321

 
$
124

 
$
161

 
$
33

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(184
)
 
(71
)
 
(105
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
91

 
$
7

 
$
56

 
$
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2018
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
11

 
4

 
4

 
3

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(70
)
 
(31
)
 
(37
)
 
(2
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
52

 
3

 
48

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2018
 
$
318

 
$
108

 
$
151

 
$
54

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(173
)
 
(57
)
 
(104
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(46
)
 
(46
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
99

 
$
5

 
$
47

 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
PSEG
 
PSE&G
 
PSEG Power
 
Energy
Holdings
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of January 1, 2017
 
$
328

 
$
140

 
$
128

 
$
57

 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
40

 
15

 
18

 
8

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken in a Prior Period
 
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(13
)
 
 
Increases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
12

 
5

 
6

 
1

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Positions Taken during the Current Period
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
 
Decreases as a Result of Settlements with Taxing Authorities
 

 

 

 

 
 
Decreases due to Lapses of Applicable Statute of Limitations
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits as of December 31, 2017
 
$
334

 
$
135

 
$
142

 
$
53

 
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(157
)
 
(73
)
 
(72
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Regulatory Asset—Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
(56
)
 
(56
)
 

 

 
 
Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized, would Impact the Effective Tax Rate (including Interest and Penalties)
 
$
121

 
$
6

 
$
70

 
$
41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSEG and its subsidiaries include accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions required to be recorded as Income Tax Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accumulated interest and penalties that are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on uncertain tax positions were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Interest and Penalties
on Uncertain Tax Positions
as of December 31,
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
40

 
$
43

 
$
70

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
16

 
$
12

 
$
25

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
12

 
$
9

 
$
24

 
 
Energy Holdings
 
$
13

 
$
22

 
$
21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


It is reasonably possible that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to either agreements with various taxing authorities upon audit, the expiration of the Statute of Limitations, or other pending tax matters. These potential increases or decreases are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Possible (Increase)/Decrease in Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
Over the next
12 Months
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
PSEG
 
$
190

 
 
PSE&G
 
$
107

 
 
PSEG Power
 
$
77

 
 
 
 
 
 

A description of income tax years that remain subject to examination by material jurisdictions, where an examination has not already concluded are:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
PSEG
 
PSE&G
  
PSEG Power
 
 
United States
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Federal
  
2011-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New Jersey
  
2011-2018
 
2011-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Pennsylvania
  
2015-2018
 
2015-2018
  
N/A
  
 
Connecticut
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
Maryland
  
2016-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
New York
  
2017-2018
 
N/A
  
N/A
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New Jersey State Tax Reform
In July 2018, the State of New Jersey made changes to its income tax laws, including imposing a temporary surtax on allocated corporate taxable income of 2.5% effective January 1, 2018 and 2019 and 1.5% in 2020 and 2021, as well as requiring corporate taxpayers to file in a combined reporting group as defined under New Jersey law starting in 2019. Both provisions include an exemption for public utilities. PSEG believes PSE&G meets the definition of a public utility and, therefore, will not be impacted by the temporary surtax or be included in the combined reporting group.
The State of New Jersey issued further guidance regarding the temporary surtax and clarified that New Jersey net operating loss carryovers can be deducted in computing a taxpayer’s entire net income. This guidance has the effect of lowering or eliminating the temporary surtax.
There are certain aspects of the law that remain unclear. In particular, PSEG anticipates that the State of New Jersey will issue clarifying guidance regarding the combined reporting rules. Any further guidance or clarification could impact PSEG’s and PSEG Power’s financial statements.