Fair Value Measurements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Methods

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

ARO Trust investments - We deposit a portion of our collected rates, pursuant to the terms of the Docket No. RP12-993 rate case settlement, into the ARO Trust which is specifically designated to fund future asset retirement obligations. The ARO Trust invests in a portfolio of actively traded mutual funds that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in an active market and are reported in Other Assets-Other on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are ultimately recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. See Note 5 for more information regarding the ARO Trust.

Long-term debt - The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined primarily by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments. The fair values of the financing obligations associated with our Dalton and Atlantic Sunrise expansions, which are included within long-term debt, were determined using an income approach (See Note 4 - Debt and Financing Agreements).

Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.