XML 40 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.20.4
Recent Accounting Standards
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2020
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments—Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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 based on past events, current conditions and supportable forecasts over a reasonable period. For purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, a similar model is used;
however, the initial allowance is added to the purchase price rather than reported as an allowance. Credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, this standard requires those credit losses 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis. Upon adoption, PSE&G recorded an increase of $8 million to its allowance for credit losses, offset by a $6 million increase to Regulatory and Other Assets, and a $2 million cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. See Note 3. Revenues. There was no impact from adoption of this standard on the financial statements of PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement—ASU 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 have been eliminated. The standard also adds certain other disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements.
The standard was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Certain amendments in the standard have been applied prospectively in 2020. All other amendments of the standard were applied retrospectively to all periods presented.
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract—ASU 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 Accounting Standard Codification 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG.
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 are 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. 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.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment—ASU 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. The new standard was effective for impairment tests for periods beginning January 1, 2020. PSEG early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019, and recorded an impairment loss of $16 million in O&M Expense.
Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments—ASU 2020-03
This accounting standard provides clarification of guidance for financial instruments and makes narrow scope amendments related to various issues. PSEG adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting—ASU 2020-04
This accounting standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The standard was effective from its issuance date, March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. PSEG adopted this standard effective upon issuance. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on December 31, 2020. The amendments in the standard have been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. See Note 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2020
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes—ASU 2019-12
This accounting standard updates ASC 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of several exceptions and making other clarifications to the current guidance. Some of the more pertinent modifications include a change to the tax accounting related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, an election to allocate the consolidated tax expense to a disregarded entity that is a member of a consolidated tax return filing group when those entities issue separate financial statements, and modifications and clarifications to interim tax reporting.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Amendments will be applied either on a retrospective, modified retrospective through a cumulative adjustment to Retained Earnings in the year of adoption, or on a prospective basis. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. PSEG will be electing to allocate the consolidated tax expense to all eligible entities that are included in a consolidated tax filing. Making this election will be consistent with PSEG’s Tax Sharing Agreements with its affiliated subsidiaries, as stated in Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G, and PSEG Power.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and Hedging—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity—ASU 2020-06
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock by removing the requirements to separately present certain conversion features in equity. In addition, the ASU eliminates certain criteria that must be satisfied in order to classify a contract as equity, which is expected to decrease the number of freestanding instruments and embedded derivatives accounted for as assets or liabilities. The ASU also revises the guidance on calculating earnings per share, requiring use of the if-converted method for all convertible instruments and rescinding the ability to rebut the presumption of share settlement for instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard 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. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Codification Improvements to Callable Debt Securities—ASU 2020-08
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should reevaluate for each reporting period whether a purchased callable debt security that has multiple call dates is within the scope of certain guidance on nonrefundable fees and other costs related to receivables.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is not permitted. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Amendments to SEC Guidance in the Codification—ASU 2020-09
This accounting standard aligns the SEC guidance in the codification with the SEC rules issued in March 2020 relating to changes in the disclosure requirements for certain debt securities. Certain glossary terms were superseded and amendments were made to debt and other topics as a result of this update.
The standard is effective on January 4, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted the new SEC rules earlier in 2020 and has eliminated the footnote relating to the guarantors of debt, and now presents summarized Guarantor Financial Information in Item 7. Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Codification Improvements—ASU 2020-10
This accounting standard conforms, clarifies, simplifies, and provides technical corrections to various codification topics.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Reference Rate Reform Scope Refinement—ASU 2021-01
This accounting standard clarifies certain guidance related to derivative instruments affected by the market-wide change in the interest rates even if those derivatives do not reference the LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. The accounting standard also clarifies other aspects of the relief provided in the reference rate reform GAAP guidance.
The standard is effective upon issuance and allows for retrospective or prospective application with certain conditions. PSEG adopted this standard in January 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
PSEG Power LLC  
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2020
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments—Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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 based on past events, current conditions and supportable forecasts over a reasonable period. For purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, a similar model is used;
however, the initial allowance is added to the purchase price rather than reported as an allowance. Credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, this standard requires those credit losses 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis. Upon adoption, PSE&G recorded an increase of $8 million to its allowance for credit losses, offset by a $6 million increase to Regulatory and Other Assets, and a $2 million cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. See Note 3. Revenues. There was no impact from adoption of this standard on the financial statements of PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement—ASU 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 have been eliminated. The standard also adds certain other disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements.
The standard was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Certain amendments in the standard have been applied prospectively in 2020. All other amendments of the standard were applied retrospectively to all periods presented.
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract—ASU 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 Accounting Standard Codification 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG.
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 are 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. 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.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment—ASU 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. The new standard was effective for impairment tests for periods beginning January 1, 2020. PSEG early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019, and recorded an impairment loss of $16 million in O&M Expense.
Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments—ASU 2020-03
This accounting standard provides clarification of guidance for financial instruments and makes narrow scope amendments related to various issues. PSEG adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting—ASU 2020-04
This accounting standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The standard was effective from its issuance date, March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. PSEG adopted this standard effective upon issuance. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on December 31, 2020. The amendments in the standard have been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. See Note 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2020
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes—ASU 2019-12
This accounting standard updates ASC 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of several exceptions and making other clarifications to the current guidance. Some of the more pertinent modifications include a change to the tax accounting related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, an election to allocate the consolidated tax expense to a disregarded entity that is a member of a consolidated tax return filing group when those entities issue separate financial statements, and modifications and clarifications to interim tax reporting.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Amendments will be applied either on a retrospective, modified retrospective through a cumulative adjustment to Retained Earnings in the year of adoption, or on a prospective basis. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. PSEG will be electing to allocate the consolidated tax expense to all eligible entities that are included in a consolidated tax filing. Making this election will be consistent with PSEG’s Tax Sharing Agreements with its affiliated subsidiaries, as stated in Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G, and PSEG Power.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and Hedging—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity—ASU 2020-06
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock by removing the requirements to separately present certain conversion features in equity. In addition, the ASU eliminates certain criteria that must be satisfied in order to classify a contract as equity, which is expected to decrease the number of freestanding instruments and embedded derivatives accounted for as assets or liabilities. The ASU also revises the guidance on calculating earnings per share, requiring use of the if-converted method for all convertible instruments and rescinding the ability to rebut the presumption of share settlement for instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard 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. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Codification Improvements to Callable Debt Securities—ASU 2020-08
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should reevaluate for each reporting period whether a purchased callable debt security that has multiple call dates is within the scope of certain guidance on nonrefundable fees and other costs related to receivables.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is not permitted. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Amendments to SEC Guidance in the Codification—ASU 2020-09
This accounting standard aligns the SEC guidance in the codification with the SEC rules issued in March 2020 relating to changes in the disclosure requirements for certain debt securities. Certain glossary terms were superseded and amendments were made to debt and other topics as a result of this update.
The standard is effective on January 4, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted the new SEC rules earlier in 2020 and has eliminated the footnote relating to the guarantors of debt, and now presents summarized Guarantor Financial Information in Item 7. Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Codification Improvements—ASU 2020-10
This accounting standard conforms, clarifies, simplifies, and provides technical corrections to various codification topics.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Reference Rate Reform Scope Refinement—ASU 2021-01
This accounting standard clarifies certain guidance related to derivative instruments affected by the market-wide change in the interest rates even if those derivatives do not reference the LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. The accounting standard also clarifies other aspects of the relief provided in the reference rate reform GAAP guidance.
The standard is effective upon issuance and allows for retrospective or prospective application with certain conditions. PSEG adopted this standard in January 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company  
New Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]  
Recent Accounting Standards [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Adopted in 2020
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments—Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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 based on past events, current conditions and supportable forecasts over a reasonable period. For purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, a similar model is used;
however, the initial allowance is added to the purchase price rather than reported as an allowance. Credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, this standard requires those credit losses 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis. Upon adoption, PSE&G recorded an increase of $8 million to its allowance for credit losses, offset by a $6 million increase to Regulatory and Other Assets, and a $2 million cumulative effect charge to Retained Earnings. See Note 3. Revenues. There was no impact from adoption of this standard on the financial statements of PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement—ASU 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 have been eliminated. The standard also adds certain other disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements.
The standard was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. Certain amendments in the standard have been applied prospectively in 2020. All other amendments of the standard were applied retrospectively to all periods presented.
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract—ASU 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 Accounting Standard Codification 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 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. PSEG adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG.
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 are 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. 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.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment—ASU 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. The new standard was effective for impairment tests for periods beginning January 1, 2020. PSEG early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2019, and recorded an impairment loss of $16 million in O&M Expense.
Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments—ASU 2020-03
This accounting standard provides clarification of guidance for financial instruments and makes narrow scope amendments related to various issues. PSEG adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting—ASU 2020-04
This accounting standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The standard was effective from its issuance date, March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. PSEG adopted this standard effective upon issuance. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on December 31, 2020. The amendments in the standard have been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. See Note 14. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted As of December 31, 2020
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes—ASU 2019-12
This accounting standard updates ASC 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes, including the elimination of several exceptions and making other clarifications to the current guidance. Some of the more pertinent modifications include a change to the tax accounting related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income, an election to allocate the consolidated tax expense to a disregarded entity that is a member of a consolidated tax return filing group when those entities issue separate financial statements, and modifications and clarifications to interim tax reporting.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Amendments will be applied either on a retrospective, modified retrospective through a cumulative adjustment to Retained Earnings in the year of adoption, or on a prospective basis. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. PSEG will be electing to allocate the consolidated tax expense to all eligible entities that are included in a consolidated tax filing. Making this election will be consistent with PSEG’s Tax Sharing Agreements with its affiliated subsidiaries, as stated in Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G, and PSEG Power.
Clarifying the Interactions between Investments-Equity Securities, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and Derivatives and Hedging—ASU 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. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity—ASU 2020-06
This accounting standard simplifies the accounting for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock by removing the requirements to separately present certain conversion features in equity. In addition, the ASU eliminates certain criteria that must be satisfied in order to classify a contract as equity, which is expected to decrease the number of freestanding instruments and embedded derivatives accounted for as assets or liabilities. The ASU also revises the guidance on calculating earnings per share, requiring use of the if-converted method for all convertible instruments and rescinding the ability to rebut the presumption of share settlement for instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Amendments in this standard 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. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Codification Improvements to Callable Debt Securities—ASU 2020-08
This accounting standard clarifies that an entity should reevaluate for each reporting period whether a purchased callable debt security that has multiple call dates is within the scope of certain guidance on nonrefundable fees and other costs related to receivables.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is not permitted. Amendments in this standard will be applied prospectively. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Amendments to SEC Guidance in the Codification—ASU 2020-09
This accounting standard aligns the SEC guidance in the codification with the SEC rules issued in March 2020 relating to changes in the disclosure requirements for certain debt securities. Certain glossary terms were superseded and amendments were made to debt and other topics as a result of this update.
The standard is effective on January 4, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted the new SEC rules earlier in 2020 and has eliminated the footnote relating to the guarantors of debt, and now presents summarized Guarantor Financial Information in Item 7. Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Codification Improvements—ASU 2020-10
This accounting standard conforms, clarifies, simplifies, and provides technical corrections to various codification topics.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.
Reference Rate Reform Scope Refinement—ASU 2021-01
This accounting standard clarifies certain guidance related to derivative instruments affected by the market-wide change in the interest rates even if those derivatives do not reference the LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. The accounting standard also clarifies other aspects of the relief provided in the reference rate reform GAAP guidance.
The standard is effective upon issuance and allows for retrospective or prospective application with certain conditions. PSEG adopted this standard in January 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the financial statements of PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power.