Income Taxes Income Taxes (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

INCOME TAXES — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities, and their respective income tax basis. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's tax positions are evaluated under a more likely than not recognition threshold and measurement analysis before they are recognized for financial statement reporting.

Uncertain tax positions have been classified as noncurrent income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid within one year. The Company's policy for interest and penalties related to income tax exposures is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company has elected to treat GILTI as an expense in the period in which the tax is accrued. Accordingly, no deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded related to GILTI.

The Company applies the flow-through method to account for its investment tax credits.

The Company's accounting policy for releasing the income tax effects from AOCL occurs on a portfolio basis.

The Company has elected an accounting policy not to consider the effects of being subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax in future periods when assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, carryforwards, and tax credits. Any effect on the realization of deferred tax assets will be recognized in the period they arise.

Historically, the Company has financed renewables projects with investments from tax equity investors who are allocated certain tax benefits associated with renewable energy projects (e.g. investment tax credits) through partnership agreements. The Inflation Reduction Act allows the owners of renewable energy projects to transfer tax credits directly to third parties. This provides the Company with the flexibility to obtain financing on any particular project with (i) the transfer of tax credits or (ii) investments from tax equity investors who are allocated tax benefits. The Company may also elect to retain the tax credit and use it to reduce its tax liability.

The Company accounts for tax credits that it will retain or transfer as a reduction in income tax expense by either including the expected amount of the tax credit to be claimed or the cash to be received when transferred, respectively, in the calculation of its annual effective tax rate. The estimated tax credits are updated on a quarterly basis, with the year-end calculation including only the tax credits that are associated with projects placed in service, comprising credits claimed or transferred during the year. In assessing realizability for credits to be transferred, the Company includes cash it anticipates receiving in establishing any valuation allowance and establishes a valuation allowance equal to its best estimate of any discount on the transfer. The receipt of cash from the transfer of tax credits is treated as an operating cash inflow.

The Company's policy for interest and penalties related to income tax exposures is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.