GENERAL INFORMATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

Sempra Energy

Sempra Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra Energy, a California-based energy-services holding company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs. Sempra Global is the holding company for most of our subsidiaries that are not subject to California or Texas utility regulation. Sempra Energy’s businesses were managed within six separate reportable segments until April 2019 and five separate reportable segments thereafter, which we discuss in Note 12. All references in these Notes to our reportable segments are not intended to refer to any legal entity with the same or similar name.

SDG&E

SDG&E’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include its accounts and the accounts of a VIE of which SDG&E was the primary beneficiary until August 23, 2019, at which time SDG&E deconsolidated the VIE. SDG&E’s common stock is wholly owned by Enova Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

SoCalGas

SoCalGas’ common stock is wholly owned by Pacific Enterprises, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

In this report, we refer to SDG&E and SoCalGas collectively as the California Utilities.

Basis of Presentation

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

This is a combined report of Sempra Energy, SDG&E and SoCalGas. We provide separate information for SDG&E and SoCalGas as required. References in this report to “we,” “us,” “our” and “Sempra Energy Consolidated” are to Sempra Energy and its consolidated entities, unless otherwise indicated by the context. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions within the consolidated financial statements of each reporting entity.

Throughout this report, we refer to the following as Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements when discussed together or collectively:

▪ the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes of Sempra Energy and its subsidiaries and VIEs;

▪ the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes of SDG&E and its VIE (until deconsolidation of Otay Mesa VIE in August 2019); and

▪ the Condensed Financial Statements and related Notes of SoCalGas.

We have prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and in accordance with the interim-period-reporting requirements of Form 10-Q. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period. We evaluated events and transactions that occurred after March 31, 2020 through the date the financial statements were issued and, in the opinion of management, the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. These adjustments are only of a normal, recurring nature.

All December 31, 2019 balance sheet information in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements has been derived from our audited 2019 Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the interim-period-reporting provisions of U.S. GAAP and the SEC.

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report and the impact of the adoption of new accounting standards on those policies in Note 2 below. We follow the same accounting policies for interim period reporting purposes.

You should read the information in this report in conjunction with the Annual Report.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations

In January 2019, our board of directors approved a plan to sell our South American businesses based on our strategic focus on North America. We determined that these businesses, which previously constituted the Sempra South American Utilities segment, and certain activities associated with these businesses, met the held-for-sale criteria. These businesses are presented as discontinued operations, which we discuss further in Note 5, as the planned sales represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Our discussions in the Notes below relate only to our continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Credit Loss Policy

We regularly monitor and evaluate credit losses and record allowances for expected credit losses, if necessary, for trade and other accounts receivable using a combination of factors, including past-due status based on contractual terms, trends in write-offs, the age of the receivable, historical and industry trends, counterparty creditworthiness, economic conditions and specific events, such as bankruptcies. We write off financial assets measured at amortized cost in the period in which we deem they are not recoverable. We record recoveries of amounts previously written off when it is known that they will be recovered.

Variable Interest Entity Policy

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess:

▪ the purpose and design of the VIE;

▪ the nature of the VIE’s risks and the risks we absorb;

▪ the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and

▪ the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.

We will continue to evaluate our VIEs for any changes that may impact our determination of whether an entity is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary.

Earnings Per Share Policy

The potentially dilutive impact from the forward sale of our common stock pursuant to forward sale agreements that we entered into in 2018 and fully settled by the end of 2019 is reflected in our diluted EPS calculation using the treasury stock method until settlement. After settlement, those shares are included in weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPS.

The potentially dilutive impact from mandatory convertible preferred stock is calculated under the if-converted method.Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to common shares (from both continuing and discontinued operations) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

We discuss share-based compensation plans and related awards and the terms and conditions of Sempra Energy’s equity securities further in Notes 10, 13 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.

The potentially dilutive impact from stock options and RSUs is calculated under the treasury stock method. Under this method, proceeds based on the exercise price and unearned compensation are assumed to be used to repurchase shares on the open market at the average market price for the period, reducing the number of potential new shares to be issued and sometimes causing an antidilutive effect.

Interim period effective tax rate policy

Sempra Energy, SDG&E and SoCalGas record income taxes for interim periods utilizing a forecasted ETR anticipated for the full year. Unusual and infrequent items and items that cannot be reliably estimated are recorded in the interim period in which they occur, which can result in variability in the ETR.

Flow-through rate-making treatment tax policy

For SDG&E and SoCalGas, the CPUC requires flow-through rate-making treatment for the current income tax benefit or expense arising from certain property-related and other temporary differences between the treatment for financial reporting and income tax, which will reverse over time. Under the regulatory accounting treatment required for these flow-through temporary differences, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not recorded to deferred income tax expense, but rather to a regulatory asset or liability, which impacts the ETR. As a result, changes in the relative size of these items compared to pretax income, from period to period, can cause variations in the ETR. The following items are subject to flow-through treatment:

▪ repairs expenditures related to a certain portion of utility plant fixed assets

▪ the equity portion of AFUDC, which is non-taxable

▪ a portion of the cost of removal of utility plant assets

▪ utility self-developed software expenditures

▪ depreciation on a certain portion of utility plant assets

▪ state income taxes

New Accounting Standards

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

We describe below recent accounting pronouncements that have had or may have a significant effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”: ASU 2016-13, as amended by subsequently issued ASUs, changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments. The standard introduces an “expected credit loss” impairment model that requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of most financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables, loan receivables and commitments and financial guarantees. ASU 2016-13 also requires use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and expands disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the credit losses. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption primarily impacted the expected credit losses associated with accounts receivable balances, amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates and off-balance sheet financial guarantees. There was an insignificant impact to SDG&E’s or SoCalGas’ balance sheets from adoption. The following table shows the initial (decreases) increases on Sempra Energy’s balance sheet at January 1, 2020 from adoption of ASU 2016-13.

IMPACT FROM ADOPTION OF ASU 2016-13
(Dollars in millions)
	Sempra Energy Consolidated
Accounts receivable – trade, net	$	(1	)
Due from unconsolidated affiliates – noncurrent	(6		)
Deferred income tax assets	4
Other current liabilities	4
Deferred credits and other	2
Retained earnings	(7		)
Other noncontrolling interests	(2		)

ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”: ASU 2017-04 removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. An entity will be required to apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. We adopted ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020 and will apply the standard on a prospective basis to our goodwill impairment tests.

ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”: ASU 2019-12 simplifies certain areas of accounting for income taxes. In addition to other changes, this standard amends ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” as follows:

▪ removes the exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items, including discontinued operations or other comprehensive income;

▪ simplifies the recognition of deferred taxes related to basis differences as a result of ownership changes in investments;

▪ specifies an entity is not required to allocate the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense to a legal entity that is not subject to tax in its separate financial statements; and

▪ requires an entity to reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the annual ETR computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date.

For public entities, ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The transition method related to the amendments made by ASU 2019-12 varies based on the nature of the change. We will adopt the standard on January 1, 2021 and do not expect it will have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASU 2020-04, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”: ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contract modifications that replace LIBOR or another reference rate affected by reference rate reform and to hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate that is affected or expected to be affected by reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective March 12, 2020 and can be applied through December 31, 2022, with certain exceptions for hedging relationships that continue to exist after this date, and may be applied from January 1, 2020. For contract modifications, the standard allows entities to account for modifications as an event that does not require reassessment or remeasurement (i.e., as a continuation of the existing contract). The standard also allows entities to amend their formal designation and documentation of hedging relationships affected or expected to be affected by reference rate reform, without having to de-designate the hedging relationship. Entities may elect the optional expedients and exceptions on an individual hedging relationship basis and independently from one another. We elected the optional expedients for contract modifications and the hedging expedient to disregard the potential discontinuation of a reference rate when assessing whether a hedged forecasted interest payment is probable. We are applying these expedients prospectively from January 1, 2020. We are still evaluating the remaining optional expedients and exceptions for hedging relationships.

Derivative Financial Instruments

HEDGE ACCOUNTING

We may designate a derivative as a cash flow hedging instrument if it effectively converts anticipated cash flows associated with revenues or expenses to a fixed dollar amount. We may utilize cash flow hedge accounting for derivative commodity instruments, foreign currency instruments and interest rate instruments. Designating cash flow hedges is dependent on the business context in which the instrument is being used, the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk that the future cash flows of a given revenue or expense item may vary, and other criteria.

ENERGY DERIVATIVES

Our market risk is primarily related to natural gas and electricity price volatility and the specific physical locations where we transact. We use energy derivatives to manage these risks. The use of energy derivatives in our various businesses depends on the particular energy market, and the operating and regulatory environments applicable to the business, as follows:

▪ The California Utilities use natural gas and electricity derivatives, for the benefit of customers, with the objective of managing price risk and basis risks, and stabilizing and lowering natural gas and electricity costs. These derivatives include fixed price natural gas and electricity positions, options, and basis risk instruments, which are either exchange-traded or over-the-counter financial instruments, or bilateral physical transactions. This activity is governed by risk management and transacting activity plans that have been filed with and approved by the CPUC. Natural gas and electricity derivative activities are recorded as commodity costs that are offset by regulatory account balances and are recovered in rates. Net commodity cost impacts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are reflected in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power or in Cost of Natural Gas.

▪ SDG&E is allocated and may purchase CRRs, which serve to reduce the regional electricity price volatility risk that may result from local transmission capacity constraints. Unrealized gains and losses do not impact earnings, as they are offset by regulatory account balances. Realized gains and losses associated with CRRs, which are recoverable in rates, are recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

▪ Sempra Mexico and Sempra LNG may use natural gas and electricity derivatives, as appropriate, to optimize the earnings of their assets which support the following businesses: LNG, natural gas transportation and storage, and power generation. Gains and losses associated with undesignated derivatives are recognized in Energy-Related Businesses Revenues or in Energy-Related Businesses Cost of Sales on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Certain of these derivatives may also be designated as cash flow hedges. Sempra Mexico may also use natural gas energy derivatives with the objective of managing price risk and lowering natural gas prices at its distribution operations. These derivatives, which are recorded as commodity costs that are offset by regulatory account balances and recovered in rates, are recognized in Cost of Natural Gas on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

▪ From time to time, our various businesses, including the California Utilities, may use other energy derivatives to hedge exposures such as the price of vehicle fuel and GHG allowances.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES

We utilize cross-currency swaps to hedge exposure related to Mexican peso-denominated debt at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs. These cash flow hedges exchange our Mexican peso-denominated principal and interest payments into the U.S. dollar and swap Mexican variable interest rates for U.S. fixed interest rates. From time to time, Sempra Mexico and its JVs may use other foreign currency derivatives to hedge exposures related to cash flows associated with revenues from contracts denominated in Mexican pesos that are indexed to the U.S. dollar.

We are also exposed to exchange rate movements at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs, which have U.S. dollar-denominated cash balances, receivables, payables and debt (monetary assets and liabilities) that give rise to Mexican currency exchange rate movements for Mexican income tax purposes. They also have deferred income tax assets and liabilities denominated in the Mexican peso, which must be translated to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. In addition, monetary assets and liabilities and certain nonmonetary assets and liabilities are adjusted for Mexican inflation for Mexican income tax purposes. We utilize foreign currency derivatives as a means to manage the risk of exposure to significant fluctuations in our income tax expense and equity earnings from these impacts; however, we generally do not hedge our deferred income tax assets and liabilities or for inflation.

We also utilize foreign currency derivatives to hedge exposure to fluctuations in the Peruvian sol and Chilean peso related to the sale of our operations in Peru and Chile, respectively.

In addition to the amounts noted above, we use commodity derivatives to manage risks associated with the physical locations of contractual obligations and assets, such as natural gas purchases and sales.

INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES

We are exposed to interest rates primarily as a result of our current and expected use of financing. The California Utilities, as well as Sempra Energy and its other subsidiaries and JVs, periodically enter into interest rate derivative agreements intended to moderate our exposure to interest rates and to lower our overall costs of borrowing. In addition, we may utilize interest rate swaps, typically designated as cash flow hedges, to lock in interest rates on outstanding debt or in anticipation of future financings.

Fair Value Measurement Policy

The impact associated with discounting is negligible. Because these 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. 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 8.

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.

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 ISO, an objective source. Annual auction prices are published once a year, typically in the middle of November, and are the basis for valuing CRRs settling in the following year.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 valued assets and liabilities, and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. We have not changed the valuation techniques or types of inputs we use to measure recurring fair value since December 31, 2019.

The fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities is presented in accordance with our netting policy, as we discuss in Note 8 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 in the tables below include the following (other than a $5 million investment at December 31, 2019, measured at net asset value):

▪ Nuclear decommissioning trusts reflect the assets of SDG&E’s NDT, 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. 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 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 or income 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 in “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 March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

A significant increase (decrease) in market electricity forward prices would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value. We summarize long-term, fixed-price electricity position volumes in Note 8.

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. Because unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, they do not affect earnings.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of certain of our financial instruments (cash, accounts and notes receivable, short-term 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.

Legal Costs Policy

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We accrue losses for a legal proceeding when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. However, the uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings make it difficult to reasonably estimate the costs and effects of resolving these matters. Accordingly, actual costs incurred may differ materially from amounts accrued, may exceed applicable insurance coverage and could materially adversely affect our business, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Unless otherwise indicated, we are unable to estimate reasonably possible losses in excess of any amounts accrued.

Gains and Losses on NDTs

Net unrealized gains and losses, as well as realized gains and losses that are reinvested in the NDT, are included in noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities on Sempra Energy’s and SDG&E’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determine the cost of securities in the trusts on the basis of specific identification.

Lessee, Leases Policy

Some of our lease agreements contain nonlease components, which represent activities that transfer a separate good or service to the lessee. As the lessee for both operating and finance leases, we have elected to combine lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for real estate, fleet vehicles, power generating facilities, and pipelines, whereby fixed or in-substance fixed payments allocable to the nonlease component are accounted for as part of the related lease liability and ROU asset. As the lessor, we have elected to combine lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for real estate and power generating facilities if the timing and pattern of transfer of the lease and nonlease components are the same and the lease component would be classified as an operating lease if accounted for separately.

Lessor, Leases Policy

Generally, we recognize operating lease income on a straight-line basis over the lease term and evaluate the underlying asset for impairment. Certain of our leases contain rate adjustments or are based on foreign currency exchange rates that may result in lease payments received that vary from one period to the next.

Segment Information

We have five separately managed reportable segments, as follows:

▪ SDG&E provides electric service to San Diego and southern Orange counties and natural gas service to San Diego County.

▪ SoCalGas is a natural gas distribution utility, serving customers throughout most of Southern California and part of central California.

▪ Sempra Texas Utilities holds our investment in Oncor Holdings, which owns an 80.25% interest in Oncor, a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility serving customers in the north-central, eastern, and western and panhandle regions of Texas; our indirect, 50% interest in Sharyland Holdings, which owns Sharyland Utilities, a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility serving customers near the Texas-Mexico border; and our indirect, 1% interest in TTHC, which owns an indirect 19.75% interest in Oncor. As we discuss in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report, we acquired our investment in Oncor Holdings in March 2018, Sharyland Holdings in May 2019, and TTHC in February 2020.

▪ Sempra Mexico develops, owns and operates, or holds interests in, natural gas, electric, LNG, LPG, ethane and liquid fuels infrastructure, and has marketing operations for the purchase of LNG and the purchase and sale of natural gas in Mexico.

▪ Sempra LNG develops projects for the export of LNG, holds an interest in a facility for the export of LNG, owns and operates natural gas pipelines, and buys, sells and transports natural gas through its marketing operations, all within the U.S. and Mexico. In February 2019, we completed the sale of our natural gas storage assets at Mississippi Hub and Bay Gas.

In April 2019, Sempra Renewables completed the sale of its remaining wind assets and investments. Upon completion of this sale, remaining nominal business activities at Sempra Renewables were subsumed into Parent and other and the Sempra Renewables segment ceased to exist. The tables below include amounts from Sempra Renewables up until cessation of the segment.

As we discuss in Note 5, the financial information related to our businesses that constituted the Sempra South American Utilities segment has been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The information in the tables below excludes amounts from discontinued operations unless otherwise noted.

We evaluate each segment’s performance based on its contribution to Sempra Energy’s reported earnings and cash flows. The California Utilities operate in essentially separate service territories, under separate regulatory frameworks and rate structures set by the CPUC and the FERC. We describe the accounting policies of all of our segments in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.

The cost of common services shared by the business segments is assigned directly or allocated based on various cost factors, depending on the nature of the service provided. Interest income and expense is recorded on intercompany loans. The loan balances and related interest are eliminated in consolidation.