Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

We are party to various litigation matters, including regulatory and administrative proceedings arising out of the normal course of business. At the present time, we do not expect that the outcome of any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On a quarterly basis, we review our litigation activities and determine if an unfavorable outcome to us is considered “remote,” “reasonably possible” or “probable” as defined by U.S. GAAP. Where we determine an unfavorable outcome is probable and is reasonably estimable, we accrue for potential litigation losses. The liability we may ultimately incur with respect to such litigation matters, in the event of a negative outcome, may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any; however, we do not expect that the reasonably possible outcome of these litigation matters would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Where we determine an unfavorable outcome is not probable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue for any potential litigation loss. The ultimate outcome of these litigation matters cannot presently be determined, nor can the liability that could potentially result from a negative outcome be reasonably estimated. As a result, we give no assurance that such litigation matters would, individually or in the aggregate, not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to complex and stringent environmental laws and regulations related to the operation of our power plants. On occasion, we may incur environmental fees, penalties and fines associated with the operation of our power plants. At the present time, we do not have environmental violations or other matters that would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or that would significantly change our operations.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (“BAAQMD”). On March 13, 2014, the Hearing Board of the BAAQMD entered into a stipulated conditional order for abatement agreed to by Russell City Energy Company, LLC (“RCEC”), our indirect, majority-owned subsidiary, and the BAAQMD concerning a violation of the vendor-guaranteed water droplet drift rate for RCEC’s cooling tower discovered during initial performance testing. RCEC installed additional drift eliminators and came into compliance with its water droplet drift rate on April 17, 2014. The BAAQMD reserved its rights to assert any penalty claims associated with this violation and RCEC reserved its rights to assert any defenses to such claims in future proceedings.