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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We discuss the valuation techniques and inputs we use to measure fair value and the definition of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Recurring Fair Value Measures
The three tables below, by level within the fair value hierarchy, set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. We classify financial assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities, and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We have not changed the valuation techniques or types of inputs we use to measure recurring fair values during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
The fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities is presented in accordance with our netting policy, as we discuss in Note 7 under “Financial Statement Presentation.”
The determination of fair values, shown in the tables below, incorporates various factors, including but not limited to, the credit standing of the counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements (such as cash deposits, letters of credit and priority interests).
Our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in the tables below include the following:
Nuclear decommissioning trusts reflect the assets of SDG&E’s nuclear decommissioning trusts, excluding cash balances. A third party trustee values the trust assets using prices from a pricing service based on a market approach. We validate these prices by comparison to prices from other independent data sources. Equity and certain debt securities are valued using quoted prices listed on nationally recognized securities exchanges or based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1). Other debt securities are valued based on yields that are currently available for comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings (Level 2).
For commodity contracts, interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange instruments, we primarily use a market approach with market participant assumptions to value these derivatives. Market participant assumptions include those about risk, and the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation techniques. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. We have exchange-traded derivatives that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical instruments (Level 1). We also may have other commodity derivatives that are valued using industry standard models that consider quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, volatility factors, and other relevant economic measures (Level 2). Level 3 recurring items relate to CRRs and long-term, fixed-price electricity positions at SDG&E, as we discuss below under “Level 3 Information.”
Rabbi Trust investments include marketable securities that we value using a market approach based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1). These investments in marketable securities were negligible at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 for Sempra Energy Consolidated, SDG&E or SoCalGas during the periods presented.
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASURES – SEMPRA ENERGY CONSOLIDATED
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair value at September 30, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
607

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
607

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
48

 
52

 

 

 
100

Municipal bonds

 
161

 

 

 
161

Other securities

 
188

 

 

 
188

Total debt securities
48

 
401

 

 

 
449

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
655

 
401

 

 

 
1,056

Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments

 
5

 

 

 
5

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery

 
18

 

 
13

 
31

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
1

 
90

 
19

 
110

Total
$
655

 
$
425

 
$
90

 
$
32

 
$
1,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments
$

 
$
269

 
$

 
$

 
$
269

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
19

 
1

 

 
(19
)
 
1

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
1

 
40

 
177

 
(29
)
 
189

Total
$
20

 
$
310

 
$
177

 
$
(48
)
 
$
459

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value at December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
619

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
619

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
47

 
44

 

 

 
91

Municipal bonds

 
156

 

 

 
156

Other securities

 
182

 

 

 
182

Total debt securities
47

 
382

 

 

 
429

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
666

 
382

 

 

 
1,048

Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments

 
5

 

 

 
5

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
22

 
16

 

 
(4
)
 
34

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
1

 
72

 
28

 
101

Total
$
688

 
$
404

 
$
72

 
$
24

 
$
1,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments
$

 
$
171

 
$

 
$

 
$
171

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
5

 
3

 

 
(4
)
 
4

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
68

 
53

 
(54
)
 
67

Total
$
5

 
$
242

 
$
53

 
$
(58
)
 
$
242

(1)
Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
(2)
Excludes cash balances and cash equivalents.
 
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASURES – SDG&E
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair value at September 30, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
607

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
607

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
48

 
52

 

 

 
100

Municipal bonds

 
161

 

 

 
161

Other securities

 
188

 

 

 
188

Total debt securities
48

 
401

 

 

 
449

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
655

 
401

 

 

 
1,056

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery

 

 

 
1

 
1

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 

 
90

 
17

 
107

Total
$
655

 
$
401

 
$
90

 
$
18

 
$
1,164

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate instruments
$

 
$
31

 
$

 
$

 
$
31

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
39

 
177

 
(29
)
 
187

Total
$

 
$
70

 
$
177

 
$
(29
)
 
$
218

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value at December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
619

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
619

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government corporations and agencies
47

 
44

 

 

 
91

Municipal bonds

 
156

 

 

 
156

Other securities

 
182

 

 

 
182

Total debt securities
47

 
382

 

 

 
429

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
666

 
382

 

 

 
1,048

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery

 

 

 
1

 
1

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 

 
72

 
27

 
99

Total
$
666

 
$
382

 
$
72

 
$
28

 
$
1,148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate instruments
$

 
$
37

 
$

 
$

 
$
37

Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
67

 
53

 
(54
)
 
66

Total
$
1

 
$
104

 
$
53

 
$
(55
)
 
$
103

(1)
Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
(2)
Excludes cash balances and cash equivalents.
 
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASURES – SOCALGAS
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair value at September 30, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
1

 

 
2

 
3

Total
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

Total
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value at December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting(1)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
2

Total
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery

 
1

 

 

 
1

Total
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
1

(1)
Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
Level 3 Information
The following table sets forth reconciliations of changes in the fair value of congestion revenue rights (CRRs) and long-term, fixed-price electricity positions classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for Sempra Energy Consolidated and SDG&E:
LEVEL 3 RECONCILIATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Balance as of July 1
$
24

 
$
42

Realized and unrealized losses
(145
)
 
(49
)
Settlements
34

 
43

Balance as of September 30
$
(87
)
 
$
36

Change in unrealized losses relating to
 
 
 
 instruments still held at September 30
$
(114
)
 
$
(8
)
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Balance as of January 1
$
19

 
$
107

Realized and unrealized losses
(138
)
 
(103
)
Allocated transmission instruments

 
1

Settlements
32

 
31

Balance as of September 30
$
(87
)
 
$
36

Change in unrealized losses relating to
 
 
 
 instruments still held at September 30
$
(111
)
 
$
(54
)

 
SDG&E’s Energy and Fuel Procurement department, in conjunction with SDG&E’s finance group, is responsible for determining the appropriate fair value methodologies used to value and classify CRRs and long-term, fixed-price electricity positions on an ongoing basis. Inputs used to determine the fair value of CRRs and fixed-price electricity positions are reviewed and compared with market conditions to determine reasonableness. SDG&E expects all costs related to these instruments to be recoverable through customer rates. As such, there is no impact to earnings from changes in the fair value of these instruments.
CRRs are recorded at fair value based almost entirely on the most current auction prices published by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), an objective source. Annual auction prices are published once a year, typically in the middle of November, and remain in effect for the following year. The impact associated with discounting is negligible. Because auction prices are a less observable input, these instruments are classified as Level 3. The fair value of these instruments is derived from auction price differences between two locations. From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the auction prices range from $(24) per MWh to $10 per MWh at a given location, and from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the auction prices ranged from $(16) per MWh to $8 per MWh at a given location. Positive values between two locations represent expected future reductions in congestion costs, whereas negative values between two locations represent expected future charges. Valuation of our CRRs is sensitive to a change in auction price. If auction prices at one location increase (decrease) relative to another location, this could result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. We summarize CRR volumes in Note 7.
Long-term, fixed-price electricity positions that are valued using significant unobservable data are classified as Level 3 because the contract terms relate to a delivery location or tenor for which observable market rate information is not available. The fair value of the net electricity positions classified as Level 3 is derived from a discounted cash flow model using market electricity forward price inputs. At September 30, 2016, these electricity forward prices range from $19.20 per MWh to $58.50 per MWh. A significant increase or decrease in market electricity forward prices would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value, respectively. We summarize long-term, fixed-price electricity position volumes in Note 7.
Realized gains and losses associated with CRRs and long-term electricity positions, which are recoverable in rates, are recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and therefore also do not affect earnings.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of certain of our financial instruments (cash, temporary investments, accounts and notes receivable, current amounts due to/from unconsolidated affiliates, dividends and accounts payable, short-term debt and customer deposits) approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments in life insurance contracts that we hold in support of our Supplemental Executive Retirement, Cash Balance Restoration and Deferred Compensation Plans are carried at cash surrender values, which represent the amount of cash that could be realized under the contracts. The following table provides the carrying amounts and fair values of certain other financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2016
 
Carrying
amount
 
Fair value
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Sempra Energy Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due from unconsolidated affiliates(1)
$
180

 
$

 
$
91

 
$
81

 
$
172

Total long-term debt(2)(3)
14,149

 

 
15,335

 
532

 
15,867

Preferred stock of subsidiary
20

 

 
26

 

 
26

SDG&E:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt(3)(4)
$
4,656

 
$

 
$
5,024

 
$
307

 
$
5,331

SoCalGas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt(5)
$
3,009

 
$

 
$
3,323

 
$

 
$
3,323

Preferred stock
22

 

 
28

 

 
28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
amount
 
Fair value
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Sempra Energy Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent due from unconsolidated affiliates(1)
$
175

 
$

 
$
97

 
$
69

 
$
166

Total long-term debt(2)(3)
13,761

 

 
13,985

 
648

 
14,633

Preferred stock of subsidiary
20

 

 
23

 

 
23

SDG&E:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt(3)(4)
$
4,304

 
$

 
$
4,355

 
$
315

 
$
4,670

SoCalGas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt(5)
$
2,513

 
$

 
$
2,621

 
$

 
$
2,621

Preferred stock
22

 

 
25

 

 
25

(1)
Excluding accumulated interest outstanding of $15 million and $11 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(2)
Before reductions for unamortized discount (net of premium) and debt issuance costs of $108 million and $107 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and excluding build-to-suit and capital lease obligations of $385 million and $387 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. We discuss our long-term debt in Note 6 above and in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
(3)
Level 3 instruments include $307 million and $315 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, related to Otay Mesa VIE.
(4)
Before reductions for unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $46 million and $43 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and excluding capital lease obligations of $241 million and $244 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(5)
Before reductions for unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $27 million and $24 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and excluding capital lease obligations of $1 million at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

We determine the fair value of certain noncurrent amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates, long-term debt and preferred stock based on a market approach using quoted market prices for identical or similar securities in thinly-traded markets (Level 2). We value other noncurrent amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates of Sempra South American Utilities using a perpetuity approach based on the obligation’s fixed interest rate, the absence of a stated maturity date and a discount rate reflecting local borrowing costs (Level 3). We value other long-term debt using an income approach based on the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at rates available for similar securities (Level 3).
We provide the fair values for the securities held in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds related to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) in Note 9 below.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measures – Sempra Energy Consolidated
Sempra Mexico
GdC. On September 26, 2016, IEnova completed the acquisition of PEMEX’s 50-percent interest in GdC, increasing its ownership interest to 100 percent. As a result of IEnova obtaining control over GdC, in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016, Sempra Mexico recognized a pretax gain of $617 million ($432 million after-tax) for the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of its previously held equity interest in GdC ($1.144 billion) over the carrying value of that interest ($520 million) and losses reclassified from AOCI ($7 million), included as Remeasurement of Equity Method Investment on Sempra Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The valuation technique used to measure the acquisition-date fair value of our equity interest in GDC immediately prior to the business acquisition was based on the fair value of the entire business combination ($2.288 billion) less the fair value of the consideration paid ($1.144 billion, the equity sale price). We considered use of the equity sale price to be a market participant input that is a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. We discuss the GdC acquisition in Note 3.
TdM. In February 2016, management approved a plan to market and sell its TdM natural gas-fired power plant, and it was classified as held for sale on the Sempra Energy Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, as we discuss in Note 3. In September 2016, we received market information that indicated that the fair value of TdM may be less than its carrying value. As a result, after performing an analysis of the information, Sempra Mexico reduced the carrying value of TdM by recognizing a noncash impairment charge of $131 million ($111 million after-tax) in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 in Impairment Losses on the Sempra Energy Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Market values resulting from a third party bidding process are considered to be Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.
Sempra Natural Gas
Rockies Express. As we discuss in Note 3, in March 2016, Sempra Natural Gas agreed to sell its 25-percent interest in Rockies Express for cash consideration of $440 million, subject to adjustment at closing. The transaction closed in May 2016. In March 2016, we recorded a noncash impairment of our investment in Rockies Express of $44 million ($27 million after-tax). The charge is included in Equity Earnings, Before Income Tax, on the Sempra Energy Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We considered the sale price for our equity interest in Rockies Express to be a market participants’ view of the total value of Rockies Express and measured the fair value of our investment based on the equity sale price. Use of this market participant input as the indicator of fair value is a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes significant inputs impacting our non-recurring fair value measures:
NON-RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASURES – SEMPRA ENERGY CONSOLIDATED
(Dollars in millions)
 
Estimated
fair
value
 
Valuation technique
 
Fair
value
hierarchy
 
% of
fair value
measurement
 
Inputs used to
develop
measurement
 
Range of
inputs
TdM
$
145

(1)
 
Market approach
 
Level 2
 
100%
 
Purchase price offers
 
100%
Investment in GdC
$
1,144

(2)
 
Market approach
 
Level 2
 
100%
 
Equity sale price
 
100%
Investment in
Rockies Express
$
440

(3)
 
Market approach
 
Level 2
 
100%
 
Equity sale price
 
100%
(1)
At measurement date of September 29, 2016. At September 30, 2016, TdM has a carrying value of $146 million, reflecting subsequent business activity, and is classified as held for sale.
(2)
At measurement date of September 26, 2016, immediately prior to acquiring a 100-percent ownership interest in GdC.
(3)
At measurement date of March 29, 2016. On May 9, 2016, Sempra Natural Gas sold its equity interest in Rockies Express.