Fair Value Measurements, Including Derivatives

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Including Derivatives

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, INCLUDING DERIVATIVES

DESC’s fair value measurements are made in accordance with the policies discussed in Note 2. See Note 8 for additional information about DESC’s derivative and hedge accounting activities.

Level 3 Valuations

DESC enters into physical forwards contracts, which are considered Level 3 as they have one or more inputs that are not observable and are significant to the valuation. The discounted cash flow method is used to value Level 3 physical forwards contracts. The discounted cash flow model for forwards calculates mark-to-market valuations based on forward market prices, original transaction prices, volumes, risk-free rate of return, and credit spreads. For Level 3 fair value measurements, certain forward market prices are considered unobservable.

The following table presents DESC’s quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2023. The range and weighted average are presented in dollars for market price inputs.

	Fair Value (millions)		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted Average(1)
Assets
Physical forwards:
Electricity	$	176	Discounted cash flow	Market price (per MWh)(2)	27-94	48
Total assets	$	176

(1) Averages weighted by volume.

(2)Represents market prices beyond defined terms for Levels 1 and 2.

Sensitivity of the fair value measurements to changes in the significant unobservable inputs is as follows:

Significant Unobservable Inputs	Position	Change to Input	Impact on Fair Value Measurement
Market price	Buy	Increase (decrease)	Gain (loss)
Market price	Sell	Increase (decrease)	Loss (gain)

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Fair value disclosures for assets held in DESC’s pension plan are presented in Note 11.

The following table presents DESC’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each hierarchy level, including both current and noncurrent portions:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
(millions)
At December 31, 2023
Assets
Commodity	$	—	$	—	$	176	$	176
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	176	$	176
Liabilities
Interest rate	$	—	$	4	$	—	$	4
Total liabilities	$	—	$	4	$	—	$	4
At December 31, 2022
Assets
Commodity	$	—	$	—	$	251	$	251
Interest rate		—		1		—		1
Total assets	$	—	$	1	$	251	$	252
Liabilities
Interest rate	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2
Total liabilities	$	—	$	2	$	—	$	2

The following table presents the net change in DESC’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and included in the Level 3 fair value category.

	2023			2022			2021
(millions)
Balance at January 1,	$	251		$	148		$	—
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings:
Purchased power		6			77			8
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities		(75	)		103			148
Settlements		(6	)		(77	)		(8	)
Balance at December 31,	$	176		$	251		$	148

There are no unrealized gains and losses included in earnings in the Level 3 fair value category related to assets/liabilities still held at the reporting date for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Substantially all of DESC’s financial instruments are recorded at fair value, with the exception of the instruments described below, which are reported at historical cost. Estimated fair values have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies considered appropriate by management. The carrying amount of financial instruments classified within current assets and current liabilities are representative of fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. For financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value, the carrying amounts and estimated fair values are as follows:

At December 31,	2023				2022
(millions)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value(1)		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value(1)
Long-term debt(2)	$	4,219	$	4,301	$	3,725	$	3,614
Affiliated long-term debt(3)		230		230		230		230

(1)Fair value is estimated using market prices, where available, and interest rates currently available for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. All fair value measurements are classified as Level 2. The carrying amount of debt issuances with short-term maturities and variable rates refinanced at current market rates is a reasonable estimate of their fair value.

(2)Carrying amount includes current portions, if any, included in securities due within one year and amounts which represent the unamortized debt issuance costs and discount or premium.

(3)Carrying amount includes current portions presented in affiliated and related party payables.