SEC Form 10-K Filing Report

Company: PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INC
CIK: 788784
SIC Code: 4931
Filing Date: 2018-02-26 00:00:00
Market Capitalization: 25453761.313922882

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey in 1985 and our principal executive offices are located at 80 Park Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102. We conduct our business through two direct wholly owned subsidiaries, PSE&G and Power, each of which also has its principal executive offices at 80 Park Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
We are an energy company with a diversified business mix. Our operations are located primarily in the Northeastern and Mid- Atlantic United States. Our business approach focuses on operational excellence, financial strength and disciplined investment. As a holding company, our profitability depends on our subsidiaries’ operating results. Below are descriptions of our two principal direct operating subsidiaries.
PSE&G
Power
A New Jersey corporation, incorporated in 1924, which is a franchised public utility in New Jersey. It is also the provider of last resort for gas and electric commodity service for end users in its service territory.
Earns revenues from its regulated rate tariffs under which it provides electric transmission and electric and gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in its service territory. It also offers appliance services and repairs to customers throughout its service territory.
Also invests in solar generation projects and regulated energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey.
A Delaware limited liability company formed in 1999 as a result of the deregulation and restructuring of the electric power industry in New Jersey. It integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets.
Earns revenues from the generation and marketing of power and natural gas to hedge business risks and optimize the value of its portfolio of power plants, other contractual arrangements and oil and gas storage facilities. This is achieved primarily by selling power and transacting in natural gas and other energy-related products, on the spot market or using short-term or long-term contracts for physical and financial products.
Also earns revenues from solar generation facilities under long-term sales contracts for power and environmental products.
Our other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) electric transmission and distribution (T&D) system under a contractual agreement; PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which earns its revenues primarily from its portfolio of lease investments; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides us and our operating subsidiaries with certain management, administrative and general services at cost.
The following is a more detailed description of our business, including a discussion of our:
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Business Operations and Strategy
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Competitive Environment
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Employee Relations
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Regulatory Issues
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Environmental Matters
BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY
PSE&G
Our regulated transmission and distribution public utility, PSE&G, distributes electric energy and gas to customers within a designated service territory running diagonally across New Jersey where approximately 6.2 million people, or about 70% of
New Jersey’s population resides.
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Products and Services
Our utility operations primarily earn margins through the transmission and distribution of electricity and the distribution of gas.
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Transmission-the movement of electricity at high voltage from generating plants to substations and transformers, where it is then reduced to a lower voltage for distribution to homes, businesses and industrial customers. Our revenues for these services are based upon tariffs approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
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Distribution-the delivery of electricity and gas to the retail customer’s home, business or industrial facility. Our revenues for these services are based upon tariffs approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
The commodity portion of our utility business’ electric and gas sales is managed by basic generation service (BGS) and basic gas supply service (BGSS) suppliers. Pricing for those services are set by the BPU as a pass-through, resulting in no margin for our utility operations.
We also earn margins through competitive services, such as appliance repair.
In addition to our current utility products and services, we have implemented several programs to invest in regulated solar generation within New Jersey, including:
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programs to help finance the installation of solar power systems throughout our electric service area, and
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programs to develop, own and operate solar power systems.
We have also implemented a set of energy efficiency and demand response programs to encourage conservation and energy efficiency by providing energy and cost saving measures directly to businesses and families. For additional information concerning these programs and the components of our tariffs, see Regulatory Issues-State Regulation and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
How PSE&G Operates
We are a transmission owner in PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) and we provide distribution service to 2.2 million electric customers and 1.8 million gas customers in a service area that covers approximately 2,600 square miles running diagonally across New Jersey. We serve the most heavily populated, commercialized and industrialized territory in New Jersey, including its six largest cities and approximately 300 suburban and rural communities.
Transmission
We use formula rates for our transmission cost of service and investments. Formula-type rates provide a method of rate recovery where the transmission owner annually determines its revenue requirements through a fixed formula that considers Operation and Maintenance expenditures, rate base and capital investments and applies an approved return on equity (ROE) in developing the weighted average cost of capital. Under this formula, rates are put into effect in January of each year based upon our internal forecast of annual expenses and capital expenditures. Rates are subsequently trued up to reflect actual annual expenses and capital expenditures. Our current approved rates provide for a base ROE of 11.68% on existing and new transmission investment, while certain investments are entitled to earn an additional incentive rate. For more information, see Regulatory Issues-Federal Regulation.
We continue to invest in transmission projects that are included for review in the FERC-approved PJM transmission expansion process. These projects focus on reliability improvements and replacement of aging infrastructure with planned capital spend of $3.8 billion for transmission in 2018-2020 as disclosed in Item 7. MD&A-Capital Requirements.
Distribution
PSE&G distributes gas and electricity to end users in our respective franchised service territories. Our approved rates, established in our most recent gas and electric base rate proceeding completed in mid-2010, provide for a ROE of 10.3% on distribution rate base. In January 2018, we filed a distribution base rate case requesting an adjustment in electric and gas base delivery rates that, if approved by the BPU, would increase overall revenues by approximately one percent. PSE&G anticipates that new base rates will take effect in the fourth quarter of 2018. The BPU has also approved a series of PSE&G infrastructure, energy efficiency and renewable energy investment programs with cost recovery through various clause mechanisms, with approved ROEs ranging from 9.75% to 10.3%. Our load requirements are split among residential, commercial and industrial customers, as described in the following table for 2017:
While our customer base has modestly increased since 2013, electric load has declined and gas load has increased as illustrated below:
(A)
Excludes sales from Gas rate classes that do not impact margin, specifically Contract, Non-Firm Transportation, Cogeneration Interruptible and Interruptible Services.
The decline in electric sales is the result of changes in customer usage patterns, including conservation and more energy efficient appliances. Gas firm sales increased as a result of customer response to continued low gas prices. Only gas firm sales impact margin.
PSE&G, as part of its BPU-approved Energy Strong Program, completed the replacement and modernization of 240 miles of low-pressure cast iron gas mains in or near flood areas. PSE&G continues to execute the Energy Strong Program to upgrade all of its electric substations that were damaged by water in recent storms; make investments that will create redundancy in the electric distribution system, reducing outages when damage occurs; and deploy technologies to better monitor system operations, enabling PSE&G to restore customers more quickly in the event of an electric outage, and with respect to PSE&G’s gas system, upgrade five natural gas metering stations and a liquefied natural gas station recently affected by severe weather or located in flood zones.
PSE&G continues modernizing its gas distribution system as part of our Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP) which was approved by the BPU in late 2015. The GSMP, through which we expect to invest $905 million over three years, will replace approximately 510 miles of cast iron and unprotected steel gas mains and about 38,000 unprotected steel service lines to homes and businesses, including the uprating of the mains to higher pressure. The mains and service lines will be replaced with stronger, more durable plastic piping, reducing the potential for leaks and release of methane gas. The new elevated pressure systems also enable the installation of excess flow valves that automatically shut off gas flow if a service line is damaged, and better support the use of high-efficiency appliances.
In July 2017, we filed a petition with the BPU for a GSMP II program, an extension of our GSMP through which PSE&G has proposed investing $2.7 billion over five years beginning in 2019 to continue to modernize our gas system. For additional information, see Regulatory Issues.
Solar Generation
In order to support New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan and the state’s renewable energy goals, we have undertaken two major solar initiatives at PSE&G, the Solar Loan Program and the Solar 4 All and Solar 4 All Extension Programs. Our Solar Loan Program provides solar system financing to our residential and commercial customers. The loans are repaid with cash or solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). We sell the SRECs received through periodic auctions and use the proceeds to offset program costs. Our Solar 4 All Programs invest in utility-owned solar photovoltaic (PV) centralized solar systems installed on PSE&G property and third-party sites, including landfill facilities, and solar panels installed on distribution system poles in our electric service territory. We sell the energy and capacity from the systems in the PJM wholesale electricity market. In addition, we sell SRECs generated by the projects through the same periodic auction used in the loan program, the proceeds of which are used to offset program costs.
Supply
Although commodity revenues make up almost 38% of our revenues, we make no margin on the default supply of electricity and gas since the actual costs are passed through to our customers.
All electric and gas customers in New Jersey have the ability to choose their own electric energy and/or gas supplier. Pursuant to BPU requirements, we serve as the supplier of last resort for two types of electric and gas customers within our service territory that are not served by another supplier. The first type, which represents about 80% of PSE&G’s load requirements, provides default supply service for smaller industrial and commercial customers and residential customers at seasonally-adjusted fixed prices for a three-year term (BGS-Residential Small Commercial Pricing (RSCP)). These rates change annually on June 1 and are based on the average price obtained at auctions in the current year and two prior years. The second type provides default supply for larger customers, with energy priced at hourly PJM real-time market prices for a contract term of 12 months (BGS-Commercial Industrial Energy Pricing (CIEP)).
We procure the supply to meet our BGS obligations through auctions authorized by the BPU for New Jersey’s total BGS requirement. These auctions take place annually in February. Results of these auctions determine which energy suppliers are authorized to supply BGS to New Jersey’s electric distribution companies (EDCs). Once validated by the BPU, electricity prices for BGS service are set. Approximately one-third of PSE&G’s total BGS-RSCP eligible load is auctioned each year for a three-year term. For information on current prices, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
PSE&G procures the supply requirements of its default service BGSS gas customers through a full-requirements contract with Power. The BPU has approved a mechanism designed to recover all gas commodity costs related to BGSS for residential customers. BGSS filings are made annually by June 1 of each year, with an effective date of October 1. PSE&G’s revenues are matched with its costs using deferral accounting, with the goal of achieving a zero cumulative balance by September 30 of each year. In addition, we have the ability to put in place two self-implementing BGSS increases on December 1 and February 1 of up to 5% and also may reduce the BGSS rate at any time and/or provide bill credits. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for information on recent self-implementing credits. Any difference between rates charged under the BGSS contract and rates charged to our residential customers is deferred and collected or refunded through adjustments in future rates. Commercial and industrial customers that do not select third-party suppliers are also supplied under the BGSS arrangement. These customers are charged a market-based price largely determined by prices for commodity futures contracts.
Markets and Market Pricing
Historically, there has been significant volatility in commodity prices. Such volatility can have a considerable impact on us since a rising commodity price environment results in higher delivered electric and gas rates for customers. This could result in decreased demand for electricity and gas, increased regulatory pressures and greater working capital requirements as the collection of higher commodity costs from our customers may be deferred under our regulated rate structure. A declining commodity price on the other hand, would be expected to have the opposite effect. For additional information, including the impact of natural gas commodity prices on electricity prices such as BGS, see Item 7. MD&A-Executive Overview of 2017 and Future Outlook.
Power
Through Power, we seek to produce low-cost electricity by efficiently operating our nuclear, coal, gas, oil-fired and renewable generation assets while balancing generation output, fuel requirements and supply obligations through energy portfolio management. Our commitments for load, such as BGS in New Jersey and other bilateral supply contracts, are backed by the generation we own and may be combined with the use of physical commodity purchases and financial instruments from the market to optimize the economic efficiency of serving the load. Power is a public utility within the meaning of the Federal Power Act and the payments it receives and how it operates are subject to FERC regulation. Power is also subject to certain regulatory requirements imposed by state utility commissions such as those in New York and Connecticut.
Products and Services
As a merchant generator and power marketer, our profit is derived from selling a range of products and services under contract to an array of customers including utilities, other power marketers, such as retail energy providers, or counterparties in the open market. These products and services may be transacted bilaterally or through exchange markets and include but are not limited to:
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Energy-the electrical output produced by generation plants that is ultimately delivered to customers for use in lighting, heating, air conditioning and operation of other electrical equipment. Energy is our principal product and is priced on a usage basis, typically in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) or dollars per megawatt hour (MWh).
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Capacity-distinct from energy, capacity is a market commitment that a given generation unit will be available to an Independent System Operator (ISO) for dispatch to produce energy when it is needed to meet system demand. Capacity is typically priced in dollars per MW for a given sale period (e.g. day or month).
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Ancillary Services-related activities supplied by generation unit owners to the wholesale market that are required by the ISO to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the bulk power system. Owners of generation units may bid units into the ancillary services market in return for compensatory payments. Costs to pay generators for ancillary services are recovered through charges collected from market participants.
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Congestion and Renewable Energy Credits-Congestion credits (or Financial Transmission Rights) are financial instruments that entitle the holder to a stream of revenues (or charges) based on the hourly congestion price differences across a transmission path. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are obtained through Power’s owned renewable generation or purchased in the open market. Electric suppliers of load are required to deliver a certain amount or percentage of their delivered power from renewable resources as mandated by applicable regulatory requirements.
Power also sells wholesale natural gas, primarily through a full-requirements BGSS contract with PSE&G to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s customers. In 2014, the BPU approved an extension of the long-term BGSS contract to March 31, 2019 and then year-to-year thereafter unless terminated by either party with a two year notice.
Approximately 45% of PSE&G’s peak daily gas requirements is provided from Power’s firm gas transportation capacity, which is available every day of the year. Power satisfies the remainder of PSE&G’s requirements from storage contracts, liquefied natural gas, seasonal purchases, contract peaking supply and propane. Based upon the availability of natural gas beyond PSE&G’s daily needs, Power sells gas to others and uses it for its generation fleet.
In addition to its nuclear and fossil generation fleet, Power owns and operates 414 MW direct current (dc) of PV solar generation facilities. Power also has a 50% ownership interest in a 208 MW oil-fired generation facility in Hawaii.
The remainder of this section about Power covers our nuclear and fossil fleet in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions which comprises the vast majority of Power’s operations and financial performance.
How Power’s Generation Operates
Nearly all of our generation capacity consists of nuclear and fossil generation (10,562 MW) that is located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States in some of the country’s largest and most developed electricity markets. For additional information see Item 2. Properties.
The map below shows the locations of our Northeast and Mid-Atlantic nuclear and fossil generation facilities, including projects currently under construction:
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Generation Capacity
Our nuclear and fossil installed capacity utilizes a diverse mix of fuels. As of December 31, 2017, our fuel mix was comprised of 47% gas, 35% nuclear, 11% coal, 5% oil and 2% pumped storage. This fuel diversity helps to mitigate risks associated with fuel price volatility and market demand cycles. Our total generating output in 2017 was approximately 51,100 GWh. The generation mix by fuel type in recent years has reflected the relatively more favorable price of natural gas compared to coal, making it more economical to run certain of our gas units in place of our coal units. The following table indicates the proportionate share of generating output by fuel type in 2017.
(A)
Excludes pumped storage, solar facilities and fossil generation in Hawaii which account for less than 2.5 percent of total generation.
(B) Less than one percent.
We are also executing the following growth projects which are included in the 2018-2020 planned capital spend of $520 million for Fossil Growth Opportunities disclosed in Item 7. MD&A-Capital Requirements.
(A)
Two-thirds of the project is complete and operational.
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Generation Dispatch
Our generation units have historically been characterized as serving one or more of three general energy market segments: base load; load following; and peaking, based on their operating capability and performance.
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Base Load Units run the most and typically are called to operate whenever they are available. These units generally derive revenues from both energy and capacity sales. Variable operating costs are low due to the combination of highly efficient operations and the use of relatively lower-cost fuels. Performance is generally measured by the unit’s “capacity factor,” or the ratio of the actual output to the theoretical maximum output. In 2017, our base load capacity factors were as follows:
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Load Following Units’ operating costs are generally higher per unit of output than for base load units due to the use of higher-cost fuels such as oil, natural gas and, in some cases, coal or lower overall unit efficiency. These units usually have more flexible operating characteristics than base load units which enable them to more easily follow fluctuations in load. They operate less frequently than base load units and derive revenues from energy, capacity and ancillary services.
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Peaking Units run the least amount of time and in some cases may utilize higher-priced fuels. These units typically start very quickly in response to system needs. Costs per unit of output tend to be higher than for base load units given the combination of higher heat rates and fuel costs. The majority of revenues are from capacity and ancillary service sales. The characteristics of these units enable them to capture energy revenues during periods of high energy prices.
In the energy markets in which we operate, owners of power plants specify to the ISO prices at which they are prepared to generate and sell energy based on the marginal cost of generating energy from each individual unit. The ISOs will generally dispatch in merit order, calling on the lowest variable cost units first and dispatching progressively higher-cost units until the point that the entire system demand for power (known as the system “load”) is satisfied reliably. Base load units are dispatched first, with load following units next, followed by peaking units. It should be noted that the sustained lower pricing of natural gas over the past several years has resulted in changes in relative operating costs compared to historical norms, wherein some gas-fired generation is now able to displace some coal-fired generation. This change, combined with the addition of new, more efficient generation capacity, has altered the historical dispatch order of certain plants in the markets where we operate.
During periods when one or more parts of the transmission grid are operating at full capability, thereby resulting in a constraint on the transmission system, it may not be possible to dispatch units in merit order without violating transmission reliability standards. Under such circumstances, the ISO may dispatch higher-cost generation out of merit order within the congested area and power suppliers will be paid an increased Locational Marginal Price (LMP) in congested areas, reflecting the bid prices of those higher-cost generation units.
Typically, the bid price of the last unit dispatched by an ISO establishes the energy market-clearing price. After considering the market-clearing price and the effect of transmission congestion and other factors, the ISO calculates the LMP for every location in the system. The ISO pays all units that are dispatched their respective LMP for each MWh of energy produced, regardless of their specific bid prices. Since bids generally approximate the marginal cost of production, units with lower marginal costs typically generate higher operating profits than units with comparatively higher marginal costs.
This method of determining supply and pricing creates a situation where natural gas prices often have a major influence on the price that generators will receive for their output, especially in periods of relatively strong or weak demand. Therefore, changes in the price of natural gas will often translate into changes in the wholesale price of electricity. This can be seen in the following graphs which present historical annual spot prices and forward calendar prices as averaged over each year at two liquid trading hubs.
Historical data implies that the price of natural gas will continue to have a strong influence on the price of electricity in the primary markets in which we operate.
The prices reflected in the preceding graphs above do not necessarily illustrate our contract prices, but they are representative of market prices at relatively liquid hubs, with nearer-term forward pricing generally resulting from more liquid markets than pricing for later years. As shown above, prices may vary by location resulting from congestion or other factors, such as the availability of natural gas from the Marcellus (Leidy) and other shale-gas regions. These variations can be considerable. Concurrent with the development of regional shale gas, we have been increasing our purchases from the Marcellus/Utica shale gas regions and in 2017 they accounted for approximately 86% of the gas we procured. While these prices provide some perspective on past and future prices, the forward prices are volatile and there can be no assurance that such prices will remain in effect or that we will be able to contract output at these forward prices.
Fuel Supply
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Nuclear Fuel Supply-We have long-term contracts for nuclear fuel. These contracts provide for:
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purchase of uranium (concentrates and uranium hexafluoride),
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conversion of uranium concentrates to uranium hexafluoride,
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enrichment of uranium hexafluoride, and
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fabrication of nuclear fuel assemblies.
Our nuclear fuel contracts cover approximately 100% of our estimated uranium, enrichment and fabrication requirements through 2020 and a significant portion through 2022.
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Coal Supply-Our Keystone, Conemaugh and Bridgeport stations operate on coal. Coal is delivered to our units through a combination of rail, truck, barge and ocean shipments.
In order to control emissions levels, our Bridgeport 3 unit uses a specific type of coal obtained from Indonesia. We have coal inventory at the Bridgeport Station as well as off-site storage to meet the plant’s projected requirements.
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Gas Supply-Natural gas is the primary fuel for the bulk of our load following and peaking fleet. We purchase gas directly from natural gas producers and marketers. These supplies are transported to New Jersey by four interstate pipelines with which we have contracted. In addition, we have firm gas transportation contracted for this winter season to serve a portion of the gas requirements for our BEC station in New York.
We have 1.3 billion cubic feet-per-day of firm transportation capacity and 0.9 billion cubic feet-per-day of firm storage delivery under contract to meet our obligations under the BGSS contract. This volume includes capacity from the Pennsylvania and Ohio shale gas regions where we purchase the majority of our natural gas. On an as-available basis, this firm transportation capacity may also be used to serve the gas supply needs of our generation fleet.
Power has contracted for approximately 125 million cubic feet-per-day of delivery capability on the PennEast Pipeline from eastern Pennsylvania to New Jersey with a targeted in-service date in 2019. This additional delivery capability will be used to supplement the BGSS contract.
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Oil-Oil is used as the primary fuel for one load following steam unit and four combustion turbine peaking units and can be used as an alternate fuel by several load following and peaking units that have dual-fuel capability. Oil for operations is drawn from on-site storage and is generally purchased on the spot market and delivered by truck or barge.
We expect to be able to meet the fuel supply demands of our customers and our own operations. However, the ability to maintain an adequate fuel supply could be affected by several factors not within our control, including changes in prices and demand, curtailments by suppliers, severe weather, environmental regulations, and other factors. For additional information and a discussion of risks, see

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following factors should be considered when reviewing our business. These factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial position, results of operations or cash flows and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed elsewhere in this report.
MARKET AND COMPETITION RISKS
Fluctuations in the wholesale power and natural gas markets could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In the markets where we operate, natural gas prices have a major impact on the price that generators receive for their output. Over the past several years, wholesale prices for natural gas have remained well below the peak levels experienced in 2008, in part due to increased shale gas production as extraction technology has improved. Lower gas prices have resulted in lower electricity prices, which have reduced our margins as nuclear and coal generation costs have not declined similarly.
PSEG and Power continue to monitor their remaining coal assets, including the Keystone and Conemaugh generating stations, to ensure their economic viability through the end of their designated useful lives and their continued classification as held for use. The precise timing of a change in useful lives may be dependent upon events out of PSEG’s and Power’s control and may impact our ability to operate or maintain these assets in the future. These generating stations may be impacted by factors such as continued depressed wholesale power prices or capacity factors, among other things. Any early retirement of these coal units before the end of their current estimated useful lives or change in the classification as held for use may have a material adverse impact on PSEG’s and Power’s future financial results.
The decline in market prices of energy, resulting from low natural gas prices driven by the growth of shale gas production since 2007, the continuing cost of regulatory compliance and enhanced security for nuclear facilities, both federal and state-level policies that provide financial incentives to construct renewable energy such as wind and solar and the failure to adequately compensate nuclear generating stations for the attributes they bring similar to renewable energy production have been contributing factors to the significantly reduced revenues from nuclear generating stations while simultaneously raising the unit cost of production.
In the ordinary course, management, and in the case of the Salem units the co-owner, each makes a number of decisions that impact the operation of our nuclear units beyond the current year, including whether and to what extent these units participate in RPM capacity auctions, commitments relating to refueling outages and significant capital expenditures, and decisions regarding our hedging arrangements. When considering whether to make these future commitments, management’s decisions will primarily be influenced by the financial outlook of the units, including the progress, timing and continued outlook for enactment of proposed legislation in the state of New Jersey. We cannot predict whether the legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, whether our nuclear generating stations in New Jersey will be selected or whether the legislation will provide a sufficient safety net for the continued operation of nuclear generating stations in New Jersey.
If market prices continue to be depressed and legislation is not enacted that adequately compensates nuclear generating stations for their attributes, Power anticipates it will no longer be covering its costs nor be adequately compensated for its market and operational risks at the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear units and would anticipate retiring these units early. The costs associated with any such retirement, which may include, among other things, accelerated depreciation and amortization or impairment charges, accelerated asset retirement costs, severance costs, environmental remediation costs and additional funding of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (NDT) would be material to both PSEG and Power.
We may be unable to obtain an adequate fuel supply in the future.
We obtain substantially all of our physical natural gas, coal and nuclear fuel supply from third parties pursuant to arrangements that vary in term, pricing structure, firmness and delivery flexibility. Our fuel supply arrangements must be coordinated with transportation agreements, balancing agreements, storage services, financial hedging transactions and other contracts to ensure that the natural gas, coal and nuclear fuel are delivered to our power plants at the times, in the quantities and otherwise in a manner that meets the needs of our generation portfolio and our customers. We must also comply with laws and regulations governing the transportation of such fuels.
Additionally, the PJM power market has recently experienced an increase in natural gas-fired generation assets that supply electricity to the region. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for natural gas transportation assets to serve power generation assets. When extreme cold temperatures significantly increase the demand for natural gas used for residential heating, it can also create constraints on natural gas pipelines that serve power generation assets. When these conditions exist, it could interrupt the fuel supply to our natural gas-fired power plants in the PJM power market.
We are exposed to increases in the price of natural gas, coal and nuclear fuel, and it is possible that sufficient supplies to operate our generating facilities profitably may not continue to be available to us. Significant changes in the price of natural gas, coal
and nuclear fuel could affect our future results and impact our liquidity needs. In addition, we face risks with regard to the delivery to, and the use of natural gas, coal and nuclear fuel by, our power plants including the following:
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transportation may be unavailable if pipeline infrastructure is damaged or disabled;
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pipeline tariff changes may adversely affect our ability to, or cost to, deliver such fuels;
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creditworthiness of third-party suppliers, defaults by third-party suppliers on supply obligations and our ability to replace supplies currently under contract may delay or prevent timely delivery;
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market liquidity for physical supplies of such fuels or availability of related services (e.g. storage) may be insufficient or available only at prices that are not acceptable to us;
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variation in the quality of such fuels may adversely affect our power plant operations;
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legislative or regulatory actions or requirements, including those related to pipeline integrity inspections, may increase the cost of such fuels;
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fuel supplies diverted to residential heating may limit the availability of such fuels for our power plants; and
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the loss of critical infrastructure, terrorist attacks (including cybersecurity breaches) or catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, severe storms or other similar occurrences could impede the delivery of such fuels.
Our nuclear units have a diversified portfolio of contracts and inventory that provide a substantial portion of our fuel raw material needs over the next several years. However, each of our nuclear units has contracted with a single fuel fabrication services provider, and transitioning to an alternative provider could take an extended period of time. Certain of our other generation facilities also require fuel or other services that may only be available from one or a limited number of suppliers. The availability and price of this fuel may vary due to supplier financial or operational disruptions, transportation disruptions and force majeure. At times, such fuel may not be available at any price, or we may not be able to transport it to our facilities on a timely basis. In this case, we may not be able to run those facilities even if it would be profitable. If we had sold forward the power from such a facility, we could be required to supply or purchase power from alternate sources, perhaps at a loss. This could have a material adverse impact on our business, the financial results of specific plants and on our results of operations.
In March 2017, WEC announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York. WEC provides nuclear fuel fabrication services for Salem Units 1 and 2. In January 2018, Brookfield Business Partners LP announced its intention to acquire WEC. The acquisition is expected to close in 2018 if it receives the required approvals from the regulators and bankruptcy courts. No assurances can be given that the acquisition will be approved. In the event that WEC is unable to continue to provide fabrication services, we can provide no assurance that Power would be able to find alternative providers of such services in a timely manner or on acceptable terms. A failure by WEC to perform its obligations during the pendency of, or following its emergence from, bankruptcy could have a material adverse impact on our business, the financial results of specific plants and on our results of operations.
Although our fuel contract portfolio provides a degree of hedging against these market risks, such hedging may not be effective and future increases in our fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. While our generation runs on a mix of fuels, primarily natural gas and nuclear fuel, an increase in the cost of any particular fuel ultimately used could impact our results of operations.
Our inability to balance energy obligations with available supply could negatively impact results.
The revenues provided by the operation of our generating stations are subject to market risks that are beyond our control. Generation output will either be used to satisfy wholesale contract requirements or other bilateral contracts or be sold into competitive power markets. Participants in the competitive power markets are not guaranteed any specified rate of return on their capital investments. Generation revenues and results of operations are dependent upon prevailing market prices for energy, capacity, ancillary services and fuel supply in the markets served. Changes in prevailing market prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Factors that may cause market price fluctuations include:
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increases and decreases in generation capacity, including the addition of new supplies of power as a result of the development of new power plants, expansion of existing power plants or additional transmission capacity;
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power transmission or fuel transportation capacity constraints or inefficiencies;
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power supply disruptions, including power plant outages and transmission disruptions;
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weather conditions, particularly unusually mild summers or warm winters in our market areas;
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quarterly and seasonal fluctuations;
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economic and political conditions that could negatively impact demand for power;
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changes in the supply of, and demand for, energy commodities;
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development of new fuels or new technologies for the production or storage of power;
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federal and state regulations and actions of the ISOs; and
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federal and state power, market and environmental regulation and legislation, including financial incentives for new renewable energy generation capacity that could lead to oversupply.
Our generation business frequently involves the establishment of forward sale positions in the wholesale energy markets on long-term and short-term bases. To the extent that we have produced or purchased energy in excess of our contracted obligations, a reduction in market prices could reduce profitability. Conversely, to the extent that we have contracted obligations in excess of energy we have produced or purchased, an increase in market prices could reduce profitability. If the strategy we utilize to hedge our exposure to these various risks is not effective, we could incur material losses. Our market positions can also be adversely affected by the level of volatility in the energy markets that, in turn, depends on various factors, including weather in various geographical areas, short-term supply and demand imbalances, customer migration and pricing differentials at various geographic locations. These risks cannot be predicted with certainty.
Increases in market prices also affect our ability to hedge generation output and fuel requirements as the obligation to post margin increases with increasing prices.
We face significant competition in the wholesale energy and capacity markets.
Our wholesale power and marketing businesses are subject to significant competition that may adversely affect our ability to make investments or sales on favorable terms and achieve our business objectives. Increased competition could contribute to a reduction in prices offered for power and could result in lower earnings. Decreased competition could negatively impact results through a decline in market liquidity. Regulatory, environmental, industry and other operational developments will have a significant impact on our ability to compete in energy and capacity markets, potentially resulting in erosion of our market share and impairment in the value of our power plants. Recently, certain states have taken, or are considering taking, actions to subsidize or otherwise provide economic support to renewables, energy efficiency initiatives and existing, uneconomic generation facilities that could adversely affect capacity and energy prices. Increased generation supply and lower energy prices due to these subsidies could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
The introduction or expansion of technologies related to energy generation, distribution and consumption and changes in customer usage patterns and could adversely impact us.
The power generation business has seen a substantial change in the technologies used to produce power. Newer generation facilities are often more efficient than aging facilities, which may put some of these older facilities at a competitive disadvantage to the extent newer facilities are able to consume the same or less fuel to achieve a higher level of generation output. Federal and state incentives for the development and production of renewable sources of power have allowed for the penetration of competing technologies, such as wind, solar, and commercial-sized power storage. Additionally, the development of DSM tools and practices can impact peak demand requirements for some of our markets at certain times during the year. The continued development of subsidized, competing power generation technologies and significant development of DSM tools and practices could alter the market and price structure for power generation and could result in a reduction in load requirements, negatively impacting our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, technological advances driven by federal laws mandating new levels of energy efficiency in end-use electric devices or other improvements in, or applications of, technology could lead to declines in per capita energy consumption.
Advances in distributed generation technologies, such as fuel cells, micro turbines, micro grids, windmills and net-metered solar installations, may reduce the cost of alternative methods of producing electricity to a level that is competitive with that of most central station electric production. Large customers, such as universities and hospitals, continue to explore potential micro grid installation. Certain states, such as Massachusetts and California, are also considering mandating the use of power storage resources to replace uneconomic or retiring generation facilities. Such developments could (i) affect the price of energy, (ii) reduce energy deliveries as customer-owned generation becomes more cost-effective, (iii) require further improvements to our distribution systems to address changing load demands and (iv) make portions of our transmission and/or distribution facilities obsolete prior to the end of their useful lives. Such technologies could also result in further declines in commodity prices or demand for delivered energy.
Some or all of these factors, could result in a lack of growth or decline in customer demand for electricity or number of customers, and may cause us to fail to fully realize anticipated benefits from significant capital investments and expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These factors could also materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial positions through, among other things, reduced operating
revenues, increased operating and maintenance expenses, and increased capital expenditures, as well as potential asset impairment charges or accelerated depreciation and decommissioning expenses over shortened remaining asset useful lives.
Economic downturns would likely have a material adverse effect on our businesses.
Our results of operations may be negatively affected by sustained downturns or sluggishness in the economy, including low levels in the market prices for power, generation capacity and natural gas, which can fluctuate substantially. Increased unemployment of residential customers and decreased demand for products and services provided by commercial and industrial customers resulting from an economic downturn could lead to declines in the demand for energy and an increase in the number of uncollectible customer balances, which would negatively impact our overall sales and cash flows. Although our utility business is subject to regulated allowable rates of return, overall declines in electricity and gas sold could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, prolonged economic downturns that negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could result in future material impairment charges to write down the carrying value of certain assets to their respective fair values.
We are subject to third-party credit risk relating to our sale of generation output and purchase of fuel.
We sell generation output and buy fuel through the execution of bilateral contracts. We also seek to contract in advance for a significant proportion of our anticipated output capacity and fuel needs. These contracts are subject to credit risk, which relates to the ability of our counterparties to meet their contractual obligations to us. Any failure to perform by these counterparties could require Power to purchase or sell energy or fuel in the wholesale markets at less favorable prices and incur additional losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In the spot markets, we are exposed to the risks of the default sharing mechanisms that exist in those markets, some of which attempt to spread the risk across all participants. Therefore, a default by a third party could increase our costs, which could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Financial market performance directly affects the asset values of our nuclear decommissioning trust funds and defined benefit plan trust funds. Market performance and other factors could decrease the value of trust assets and could result in the need for significant additional funding.
The performance of the financial markets will affect the value of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy our future obligations under our defined benefit plans and to decommission our nuclear generating plants. A decline in the market value of our nuclear decommissioning trust funds could increase Power’s funding requirements to decommission its nuclear plants. A decline in the market value of the defined benefit plan trust funds could increase our pension and other postretirement benefit (OPEB) plan funding requirements. The market value of our trusts could be negatively impacted by decreases in the rate of return on trust assets, decreased interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels and future government regulation. Additional funding requirements for our defined benefit plans could be caused by changes in required or voluntary contributions, an increase in the number of employees becoming eligible to retire and changes in life expectancy assumptions. Increased costs could also lead to additional funding requirements for our decommissioning trust. Failure to adequately manage our investments in our nuclear decommissioning trust and defined benefit plan trusts could result in the need for us to make significant cash contributions in the future to maintain our funding at sufficient levels, which would negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
REGULATORY, LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL RISKS
PSE&G’s revenues, earnings and results of operations are dependent upon state laws and regulations that affect distribution and related activities.
PSE&G is subject to regulation by the BPU. Such regulation affects almost every aspect of its businesses, including its retail rates, and failure to comply with these regulations could have a material adverse impact on PSE&G’s ability to operate its business and could result in fines, penalties or sanctions. The retail rates for electric and gas distribution services are established in a base rate case and remain in effect until a new base rate case is filed and concluded. In January 2018, PSE&G filed a distribution base rate case proceeding. In addition, our utility has received approval for several clause recovery mechanisms, some of which provide for recovery of costs and earn returns on authorized investments. These clause mechanisms require periodic updates to be reviewed and approved by the BPU and are subject to prudency reviews. Inability to obtain fair or timely recovery of all our costs, including a return of, or on, our investments in rates, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if legislative and regulatory structures were to evolve in such a way that PSE&G’s exclusive rights to serve its regulated customers were eroded, its future earnings could be negatively impacted.
Efforts designed to promote and expand the use of energy efficiency measures and distributed generation technologies, such as rooftop solar and battery storage, in PSE&G’s service territories could result in customers leaving the electric distribution system and an increase in customer net energy metering. Over time, customer adoption of these and other technologies and
increased energy efficiency could adversely impact PSE&G’s revenue and ability to fully recover its costs, which could require PSE&G to pursue a rate case to adjust revenue requirements or seek recovery though other mechanisms.
The BPU also conducts periodic combined management/competitive service audits of New Jersey utilities related to affiliate standard requirements, competitive services, cross-subsidization, cost allocation and other issues. A finding by the BPU of non-compliance with these requirements could result in fines, a reduction in PSE&G’s authorized base rate or the disallowance of the recovery of certain costs, which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, PSE&G procures the supply requirements of its default service BGSS gas customers through a full-requirements contract with Power. Government officials, legislators and advocacy groups are aware of the affiliation between PSE&G and Power. In periods of rising utility rates, those officials and advocacy groups may question or challenge costs and transactions incurred by PSE&G with Power, irrespective of any previous regulatory processes or approvals underlying those transactions. The occurrence of such challenges may subject Power to a level of scrutiny not faced by other unaffiliated competitors in those markets and could adversely affect retail rates received by PSE&G in an effort to offset any perceived benefit to Power from the affiliation.
PSE&G periodically files base rate case proceedings. Such proceedings are at times contentious, lengthy and subject to appeal, which could lead to uncertainty as to the ultimate results and which could introduce time delays in effectuating rate changes.
PSE&G periodically files base rate case proceedings with the BPU. In particular, in January 2018, PSE&G filed a distribution base rate case proceeding. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including governmental bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups and various consumers of energy, who have differing concerns but who have the common objective of limiting rate increases or even reducing rates. The proceedings generally have timelines that may not be limited by statute. Decisions are subject to appeal, potentially leading to additional uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings. The potential duration of such proceedings creates a risk that rates ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory body may not be sufficient for PSE&G to recover its costs by the time the rates become effective. Established rates are also subject to subsequent reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, including recovery mechanisms for costs associated with the procurement of electricity or gas, bad debt, manufactured gas plant (MGP) remediation, smart grid infrastructure and energy efficiency, demand response and renewable energy programs. If the base rate case proceeding is protracted or results in approved rates that do not allow PSE&G to fully recover its costs or result in ROEs that are below historical levels, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be materially adversely impacted.
We are subject to comprehensive federal regulation that affects, or may affect, our businesses.
We are subject to regulation by federal authorities. Such regulation affects almost every aspect of our businesses, including management and operations; the terms and rates of transmission services; investment strategies; the financing of our operations and the payment of dividends. Failure to comply with these regulations could have a material adverse impact on our ability to operate our business and could result in fines, penalties or sanctions.
Recovery of wholesale transmission rates-PSE&G’s wholesale transmission rates are regulated by FERC and are recovered through a FERC-approved formula rate. The revenue requirements are reset each year through this formula. In addition, transmission ROEs have recently become the target of certain state utility commissions, municipal utilities, consumer advocates and consumer groups seeking to lower customer rates. These agencies and groups have filed complaints with FERC asking to reduce the base ROE of various transmission owners. They point to changes in the capital markets as justification for lowering the ROE of these companies. While we are not the subject of any of these complaints, they could set a precedent for FERC-regulated transmission owners, such as PSE&G. Inability to obtain fair or timely recovery of all our costs, including a return of or on our investments in rates, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Compliance-Mandatory NERC and Critical Infrastructure Protection standards have been established to ensure the reliability of the U.S. electric transmission and generation system and to prevent major system black-outs. We have been, and will continue to be, periodically audited by NERC for compliance and are subject to penalties for non-compliance with applicable NERC standards. Failure to comply with such standards could result in penalties or increased costs to bring such facilities into compliance. Such penalties and costs, as well as lost revenue from prolonged outages required to bring facilities into compliance with these standards, could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and cash flows.
Market-Based Rate (MBR) Authority and Other Regulatory Approvals-Under FERC regulations, public utilities that wish to sell power at market rates must receive MBR Authority before making power sales, and the majority of our businesses operate with such authority. Failure to maintain MBR authorization, or the effects of any severe mitigation measures that may be required if market power was evaluated differently in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In November 2017, FERC issued an order accepting the triennial filing made by the PSEG companies seeking authority to sell energy, capacity and ancillary services at market-based rates.
Oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) relating to derivative transactions-The CFTC has regulatory oversight of the swap and futures markets and options, including energy trading, and licensed futures professionals such as brokers, clearing members and large traders. Changes to regulations or adoption of additional regulations by the CFTC, including any regulations relating to position limits on futures and other derivatives or margin for derivatives and increased investigations by the CFTC, could negatively impact Power’s ability to hedge its portfolio in an efficient, cost-effective manner by, among other things, potentially decreasing liquidity in the forward commodity and derivatives markets or limiting Power’s ability to utilize non-cash collateral for derivatives transactions.
We may also be required to obtain various other regulatory approvals to, among other things, buy or sell assets, engage in transactions between our public utility and our other subsidiaries, and, in some cases, enter into financing arrangements, issue securities and allow our subsidiaries to pay dividends. Failure to obtain these approvals on a timely basis could materially adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
Our ownership and operation of nuclear power plants involve regulatory, financial, environmental, health and safety risks.
Approximately half of our total generation output each year is provided by our nuclear fleet. For this reason, we are exposed to risks related to the continued successful operation of our nuclear facilities and issues that may adversely affect the nuclear generation industry. These include:
Storage and Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel-Federal law requires the DOE to provide for the permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel but the DOE has not yet begun accepting spent nuclear fuel. Until a federal site is available, we use on-site storage for spent nuclear fuel, which is reimbursed by the DOE. However, future capital expenditures may be required to increase spent fuel storage capacity at our nuclear facilities. Once a federal site is available, the DOE may impose fees to support a permanent repository. In addition, the on-site storage for spent nuclear fuel may significantly increase the decommissioning costs of our nuclear units.
Regulatory and Legal Risk-We may be required to substantially increase capital expenditures or operating or decommissioning costs at our nuclear facilities to the extent there is a change in the Atomic Energy Act or the applicable regulations or the environmental rules and regulations applicable to nuclear facilities; a modification, suspension or revocation of licenses issued by the NRC; the imposition of civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, related regulations or the terms and conditions of the licenses for nuclear generating facilities or the shutdown of one of our nuclear facilities. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Operational Risk-Operations at any of our nuclear generating units could degrade to the point where the affected unit needs to be shut down or operated at less than full capacity. If this were to happen, identifying and correcting the causes may require significant time and expense. Any significant outages could result in reduced earnings as we would need to purchase or generate higher-priced energy to meet our contractual obligations.
In addition, if a station cannot be operated through the end of its current estimated useful life, our results of operations could be adversely affected by increased depreciation rates, impairment charges and accelerated future decommissioning costs.
Nuclear Incident or Accident Risk-Accidents and other unforeseen problems have occurred at nuclear stations, both in the U.S. and elsewhere. The consequences of an accident can be severe and may include loss of life, significant property damage and/or a change in the regulatory climate. We have nuclear units at two sites. It is possible that an accident or other incident at a nuclear generating unit could adversely affect our ability to continue to operate unaffected units located at the same site, which would further affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. An accident or incident at a nuclear unit not owned by us could also affect our ability to continue to operate our units. Any resulting financial impact from a nuclear accident may exceed our resources, including insurance coverages. Further, as a licensed nuclear operator subject to the Price-Anderson Act and a member of a nuclear industry mutual insurance company, Power is subject to potential retroactive assessments as a result of a nuclear incident or retroactive adverse loss experience.
In the event of non-compliance with applicable legislation, regulation and licenses, the NRC may increase regulatory oversight, impose fines, and/or shut down a unit, depending on its assessment of the severity of the non-compliance. If a serious nuclear incident were to occur, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In each case, the amount and types of insurance commercially available to cover losses that might arise in connection with the operation of our nuclear fleet are limited and may be insufficient to cover any costs we may incur.
Decommissioning-NRC regulations require that licensees of nuclear generating facilities demonstrate reasonable assurance that funds will be available to decommission the facility at the end of its useful life. PSEG Nuclear has established a Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) to satisfy these obligations. However, forecasting trust fund investment earnings and costs to decommission nuclear generating stations requires significant judgment, and actual results could differ significantly from
current estimates. If we determine that it is necessary to retire one of our nuclear generating stations before the end of its useful life, there is a risk that it will no longer meet the NRC minimum funding requirements due to the earlier commencement of decommissioning activities and a shorter time period over which the NDT investments could appreciate in value. A shortfall could require PSEG to post parental guarantees or make additional cash contributions to ensure that the NDT continues to satisfy the NRC minimum funding requirements. As a result, our financial position or cash flows could be significantly adversely affected.
We may be adversely affected by changes in energy regulatory policies, including energy and capacity market design rules and developments affecting transmission.
The energy industry continues to be regulated and the rules to which our businesses are subject are always at risk of being changed. Our business has been impacted by established rules that create locational capacity markets in each of PJM, ISO-NE and NYISO. Under these rules, generators located in constrained areas are paid more for their capacity so there is an incentive to locate in those areas where generation capacity is most needed. Because much of our generation has historically been located in constrained areas in PJM and ISO-NE, the existence of these rules has had a positive impact on our revenues. PJM’s capacity market design rules and ISO-NE’s forward capacity market rules continue to evolve, most recently in response to efforts to integrate public policy initiatives into the wholesale markets. Any changes to these rules may have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We could also be impacted by a number of other events, including regulatory or legislative actions such as direct and indirect subsidies, favoring certain types of resources and/or technologies. Further, some of the market-based mechanisms in which we participate, including BGS auctions, are at times the subject of review or discussion by some of the participants in the New Jersey and federal arenas. We can provide no assurance that these mechanisms will continue to exist in their current form, nor otherwise be modified.
To the extent that additions to the transmission system relieve or reduce congestion in eastern PJM where most of our plants are located, Power’s capacity and energy revenues could be adversely affected. Moreover, through changes encouraged by FERC to transmission planning processes, or through RTO/ISO initiatives to change their planning processes, more transmission may ultimately be built to facilitate renewable generation or support other public policy initiatives. Any such addition to the transmission system could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that may significantly limit or affect our businesses, adversely impact our business plans or expose us to significant environmental fines and liabilities.
We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations regarding air quality, water quality, site remediation, land use, waste disposal, the impact on global climate, natural resources damages and other matters. These laws and regulations affect the manner in which we conduct our operations and make capital expenditures. We expect there will be changes to existing environmental laws and regulations, particularly in light of the change in administration following the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Changes in these laws, or violations of laws, could result in significant increases in our compliance costs, capital expenditures to bring our facilities into compliance, operating costs for remediation and clean-up actions, civil penalties or damages from actions brought by third parties for alleged health or property damages. Any such increase in our costs could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could require further economic review to determine whether to continue operations or decommission an affected facility. We may also be unable to successfully recover certain of these cost increases through our existing regulatory rate structures, in the case of PSE&G, or our contracts with our customers, in the case of Power.
Environmental laws and regulations have generally become more stringent over time, and this trend is likely to continue. In particular:
Concerns over global climate change could result in laws and regulations to limit CO2 emissions or other GHG emissions produced by our fossil generation facilities-Federal and state legislation and regulation designed to address global climate change through the reduction of GHG emissions could materially impact our fossil generation facilities. For example, in 2015 the EPA published new rules for both new and existing power plants. While the EPA recently repealed these rules for existing power plants, actions by northeastern states, including New Jersey, could have cost implications for our fossil generation facilities. Such expenditures could materially affect the continued economic viability of one or more such facilities.
In addition to legislative and regulatory initiatives, the outcome of certain legal proceedings regarding alleged impacts of global climate change not involving us could be material to the future liability of energy companies. If relevant federal or state common law were to develop that imposed liability upon those that emit GHGs for alleged impacts of GHGs emissions, such potential liability to our fossil generation operations could be material.
Potential closed-cycle cooling requirements-In 2014, the EPA finalized rules regarding the regulation of cooling water intake structures. The EPA has structured the rule so that each state will continue to consider renewal permits for existing power facilities on a case by case basis. The rule requires that facilities seeking permit renewals conduct a wide range of studies
related to impingement mortality and entrainment and submit the results with their permit applications. State actions to renew permits under the provisions of this rule are ongoing at this time.
If the NJDEP or the CTEEP were to require installation of closed-cycle cooling or its equivalent at any of our Salem, Bridgeport or New Haven generating stations, the related increased costs and impacts would be material to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows and would require further economic review to determine whether to continue operations or decommission any such station.
Remediation of environmental contamination at current or formerly-owned facilities-We are subject to liability under environmental laws for the costs of remediating environmental contamination of property now or formerly owned by us and of property contaminated by hazardous substances that we generated. Remediation activities associated with our former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) operations are one source of such costs. In addition, the historic operations of our companies and the operations of numerous other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex in violation of various statutes. The EPA is also evaluating the Hackensack River, a tributary to Newark Bay, for inclusion in the Superfund program. We are also involved in a number of proceedings relating to sites where other hazardous substances may have been discharged and may be subject to additional proceedings in the future, the related costs of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. New Jersey law places affirmative obligations on us to investigate and, if necessary, remediate contaminated property upon which we were in any way responsible for a discharge of hazardous substances, impacting the speed by which we will need to investigate contaminated properties, which could adversely impact cash flows. We cannot predict what further actions, if any, or the costs or the timing thereof, that may be required with respect to these or other natural resource damages claims. However, exposure to natural resource damages could subject us to additional potentially material liability. For a discussion of these and other environmental matters, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
We may not receive necessary licenses and permits in a timely manner or at all, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We must periodically apply for licenses and permits from various regulatory authorities, including environmental regulatory authorities, and abide by their respective orders. Delay in obtaining, or failure to obtain and maintain, any permits or approvals, including environmental permits or approvals, or delay in or failure to satisfy any applicable regulatory requirements, could:
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prevent construction of new facilities,
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limit or prevent continued operation of existing facilities,
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limit or prevent the sale of energy from these facilities, or
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result in significant additional costs,
each of which could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the process of obtaining licenses and permits from regulatory authorities may be delayed or defeated by concerted community opposition and such delay or defeat could have a material effect on our business.
We cannot predict the outcome of any legal, regulatory or other proceeding, settlement, investigation or claim relating to our business activities. An adverse determination could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
From time to time we are involved in legal, regulatory and other proceedings or claims arising out of our business operations, the most significant of which are summarized in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities. Adverse outcomes in any of these proceedings could require significant expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In particular, as previously disclosed, Power has discovered that it incorrectly calculated certain components of its cost-based bids for its New Jersey fossil generating units in the PJM energy market. Upon discovery of the errors, PSEG retained outside counsel to assist in the conduct of an investigation into the matter and self-reported the errors to FERC, PJM and the PJM Independent Market Monitor (IMM). FERC Staff initiated a preliminary, non-public staff investigation into the matter, which is ongoing. We are unable to reasonably estimate the range of possible loss for this matter; however, the amounts of potential disgorgement and other potential penalties that Power may incur span a wide range depending on the success of PSEG’s legal arguments. If we do not prevail in whole or in part with FERC or in a judicial challenge that we may choose to pursue, it is likely that Power would record additional losses and that such additional losses would be material to our results of operations.
Changes in tax law and regulation and the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2017, the Tax Act was enacted, which made significant changes to U.S. tax law. Among other things, under the Tax Act, the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate decreased from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and certain changes were made to bonus depreciation rules. However, the Tax Act is unclear in certain respects and will require interpretations and implementing regulations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as state tax authorities, and the Tax Act could be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections. We cannot assess the impact that any such interpretations, regulations, amendments or corrections could have on our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the regulatory treatment of certain impacts of the Tax Act will be subject to the discretion of FERC and the state regulators which we are unable to determine at this time.
We are subject to the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. The impact of the rate change in 2017’s financial statements is discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 20. Income Taxes.
We do not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting under ASC 740 for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act for the reporting period in which the Tax Act was enacted. Accordingly, the amounts recognized in the current reporting period should be considered provisional, in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, and any revisions to these amounts could be material.
Further, the Tax Act is unclear in certain respects and will require interpretations and implementing regulations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as state tax authorities. The Tax Act could also be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections which could impact PSEG, PSE&G and Power’s financial statements.
In addition, we are required to make judgments in order to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. These tax obligations include income, real estate, sales and use and employment-related taxes. These judgments can include reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been taken that could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. If our actual tax obligations materially differ from our estimated obligations, our results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
OPERATIONAL RISKS
Because PSEG is a holding company, its ability to meet its corporate funding needs, service debt and pay dividends could be limited.
PSEG is a holding company with no material assets other than the stock or membership interests of its subsidiaries. Accordingly, all of the operations of PSEG are conducted by its subsidiaries, which are separate and distinct legal entities that have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay the debt of PSEG or to make any funds available to PSEG to pay such debt or satisfy its other corporate funding needs. These corporate funding needs include PSEG’s operating expenses, the payment of interest on and principal of its outstanding indebtedness and the payment of dividends on its capital stock. As a result, PSEG can give no assurances that its subsidiaries will be able to transfer funds to PSEG to meet all of these obligations.
Lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers, or a decline in customer demand, could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Growth in customer accounts and growth of customer usage each directly influence demand for electricity and the need for additional generation, transmission and distribution facilities. Customer growth and customer usage may be affected by a number of factors, including:
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regulatory incentives to reduce energy consumption;
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mandated energy efficiency measures;
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demand-side management tools;
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technological advances; and
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a shift in the composition of our customer base from commercial and industrial customers to residential customers.
Some or all of these factors could result in a lack of growth or decline in customer demand for electricity and may prevent us from fully realizing the benefits from significant capital investments and expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
There may be periods when Power may not be able to meet its commitments under forward sale obligations at a reasonable cost or at all.
A substantial portion of Power’s generation output has been sold forward under fixed price power sales contracts and Power also sells forward the output from its intermediate and peaking facilities when it deems it commercially advantageous to do so. Our forward sales of energy and capacity assume sustained, acceptable levels of operating performance. This is especially important at our lower-cost facilities. Operations at any of our plants could degrade to the point where the plant has to shut down or operate at less than full capacity. Some issues that could impact the operation of our facilities are:
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breakdown or failure of equipment, information technology, processes or management effectiveness;
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disruptions in the transmission of electricity;
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labor disputes or work stoppages;
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fuel supply interruptions;
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transportation constraints;
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limitations which may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory requirements; and
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operator error, terrorist attacks (including cybersecurity breaches) or catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, severe storms or other similar occurrences.
Identifying and correcting any of these issues may require significant time and expense. Depending on the materiality of the issue, we may choose to close a plant rather than incur the expense of restarting it or returning it to full capacity.
Because the obligations under most of these agreements are not contingent on a unit being available to generate power, Power is generally required to deliver power to the buyer, even in the event of a plant outage, fuel supply disruption or a reduction in the available capacity of the unit. To the extent that Power does not have sufficient lower cost capacity to meet its commitments under its forward sale obligations, Power would be required to supply replacement power either by running its other higher cost power plants or by obtaining power from third-party sources at market prices that could substantially exceed the contract price. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If Power fails to deliver the contracted power, it would be required to pay the difference between the market price at the delivery point and the contract price, and the amount of such payments could be substantial.
In addition, as market prices for energy and fuel fluctuate, our forward energy sale and forward fuel purchase contracts could require us to post substantial additional collateral, thus requiring us to obtain additional sources of liquidity during periods when our ability to do so may be limited.
Certain of our generation facilities rely on transmission facilities that we do not own or control and that may be subject to transmission constraints. Our inability to maintain adequate transmission capacity could restrict our ability to deliver wholesale electric power to our customers and we may either incur additional costs or forego revenues. Conversely, improvements to certain transmission systems could also reduce revenues.
We depend on transmission facilities owned and operated by others to deliver the wholesale power we sell from our generation facilities. If transmission is disrupted or if the transmission capacity infrastructure is inadequate, our ability to sell and deliver wholesale power may be adversely impacted. If a region’s power transmission infrastructure is inadequate, our recovery of wholesale costs and profits may be limited. If restrictive transmission price regulation is imposed, the transmission companies may not have sufficient incentive to invest in expansion of transmission infrastructure. We also cannot predict whether transmission facilities will be expanded in specific markets to accommodate competitive access to those markets.
In addition, in certain of the markets in which we operate, energy transmission congestion may occur and we may be deemed responsible for congestion costs if we schedule delivery of power between congestion zones during times when congestion occurs between the zones. If we were liable for such congestion costs, our financial results could be adversely affected.
A portion of our generation is located in load pockets. Expansion of transmission systems to reduce or eliminate these load pockets could negatively impact the value or profitability of our existing generation facilities in these areas.
Inability to successfully develop or construct generation, transmission and distribution projects could adversely impact our businesses.
Our business plan calls for extensive investment in capital improvements and additions, including the installation of required environmental upgrades and retrofits; construction and/or acquisition of additional generation units and transmission and distribution facilities; and modernizing existing infrastructure pursuant to investment programs entitled to current recovery. Currently, we have several significant projects underway or being contemplated.
The successful construction and development of these projects will depend, in part, on our ability to:
•
obtain necessary governmental and regulatory approvals;
•
obtain environmental permits and approvals;
•
obtain community support for such projects to avoid delays in the receipt of permits and approvals from regulatory authorities;
•
complete such projects within budgets and on commercially reasonable terms and conditions;
•
obtain any necessary debt financing on acceptable terms and/or necessary governmental financial incentives;
•
ensure that contracting parties, including suppliers, perform under their contracts in a timely and cost effective manner; and
•
at PSE&G, recover the related costs through rates.
Any delays, cost escalations or otherwise unsuccessful construction and development could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Further, any unexpected failure of our existing facilities, including failure associated with breakdowns, forced outages or any unanticipated capital expenditures could result in reduced profitability. Modifications to existing facilities may require us to install the best available control technology or to achieve the lowest achievable emission rates required by then-current regulations, which would likely result in substantial additional capital expenditures.
In addition, the successful operation of new or upgraded generation facilities or transmission or distribution projects is subject to risks relating to supply interruptions; work stoppages and labor disputes; weather interferences; unforeseen engineering and environmental problems, including those related to climate change; and the other risks described herein. Any of these risks could cause our return on these investments to be lower than expected or they could cause these facilities to operate below expected capacity or availability levels, which would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations through lost revenue, increased expenses, higher maintenance costs and penalties.
FERC Order 1000 has generally opened transmission development to competition from independent developers, allowing such developers to compete with incumbent utilities for the construction and operation of transmission facilities in its service territory. While Order 1000 retains limited carve-outs for certain projects that will continue to default to incumbents for construction responsibility, including immediately needed reliability projects, upgrades to existing transmission facilities, projects cost-allocated to a single transmission zone, and projects being built on existing rights-of-way and whose construction would interfere with incumbents’ use of their rights-of-way, increased competition for transmission projects could decrease the value of new investments that would be subject to recovery by PSE&G under its rate base, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, certain PJM cost allocation determinations have been recently challenged at FERC, the resolution of which could impact costs borne by New Jersey ratepayers and increase customer bills.
We may be adversely affected by equipment failures, accidents, severe weather events or other incidents that impact our ability to provide safe and reliable service to our customers and remain competitive and could result in substantial financial losses.
The success of our businesses is dependent on our ability to continue providing safe and reliable service to our customers while minimizing service disruptions. We are exposed to the risk of equipment failures, accidents, severe weather events, or other incidents which could result in damage to or destruction of our facilities or damage to persons or property. For instance, equipment failures in our natural gas distribution could give rise to a variety of hazards and operating risks, such as leaks, accidental explosions and mechanical problems, which could cause substantial financial losses and harm our reputation.
In addition, the physical risks of severe weather events, such as experienced from Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, and of climate change, changes in sea level, temperature and precipitation patterns and other related phenomena have further exacerbated these risks. Such issues experienced at our facilities, or by others in our industry, could adversely impact our revenues; increase costs to repair and maintain our systems; subject us to potential litigation and/or damage claims, fines/penalties; and increase the level of oversight of our utility and generation operations and infrastructure through investigations or through the imposition of additional regulatory or legislative requirements. Such actions could adversely affect our costs, competitiveness and future investments, which could be material to our financial position, results of operations and cash flow. For our transmission and distribution business, the cost of storm restoration efforts may not be fully recoverable through the regulatory process.
We own less than a controlling interest in some of our generating facilities.
We have limited control over the operation of some of our generating facilities, including the Keystone, Conemaugh and Peach Bottom facilities, because our investments represent less than a controlling interest. We seek to exert a degree of influence with respect to the management and operation of projects in which we own less than a controlling interest by negotiating to obtain positions on management committees or to receive certain limited governance rights. However, we may not always succeed in such negotiations. As a result, we may be dependent on our partners to operate such facilities. The approval of our partners also
may be required for us to transfer our interest in such projects. Reliance on our partners for the management and operation of these facilities could result in a lower return on these facilities than what we believe we could have otherwise achieved.
Any inability to recover the carrying amount of our long-lived assets and leveraged leases could result in future impairment charges which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Long-lived assets represent approximately 74%, 81% and 69% of the total assets of PSEG, PSE&G and Power, respectively, as of December 31, 2017. Management evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in regulation business climate or market conditions, including prolonged periods of adverse commodity and capacity prices, could potentially indicate an asset’s or group of assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable. Significant reductions in our expected revenues or cash flows for an extended period of time resulting from such events could result in future asset impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Energy Holdings has investments in domestic energy and real estate assets subject primarily to leveraged lease accounting. A leveraged lease is typically comprised of an investment by an equity investor and debt provided by a third-party debt investor. As an equity investor, Energy Holdings’ equity investments in the leases are comprised of the total expected lease receivables over the lease terms plus the estimated residual values at the end of the lease terms, reduced for any income not yet earned on the leases. Our receipt of payments related to our leveraged lease portfolio in accordance with the lease contracts can be impacted by various factors, including new environmental legislation regarding air quality and other discharges in the process of generating electricity; market prices for fuel and electricity, including the impact of low gas prices on our coal generation investments; overall financial condition of lease counterparties; and the quality and condition of assets under lease.
During 2016, due to the adverse economic conditions experienced by coal generation in PJM, Energy Holdings recorded pre-tax write-downs relating to the NRG REMA, LLC (REMA) leveraged leases in the aggregate of $147 million. During 2017, due to continuing liquidity issues facing REMA, economic challenges facing coal generation in PJM, and based upon an ongoing review of available alternatives as well as certain discussions with REMA management, Energy Holdings recorded additional pre-tax charges of $77 million in the aggregate.
In June 2017, GenOn Energy, Inc. (GenOn) and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. REMA was not included in the GenOn filing. Energy Holdings continues to monitor the restructuring of GenOn and its possible impacts on REMA and continues to discuss the situation with various parties relevant to this matter. PSEG cannot predict the outcome of GenOn’s efforts to restructure its portfolio and improve its liquidity and the possible related impact on REMA. PSEG continues to monitor any changes to REMA’s and GenOn’s status and potential impacts on Energy Holdings’ lease investments, which could include further write-downs of the values of Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases.
There can be no assurance that a continuation or worsening of the adverse economic conditions would not lead to additional write-downs at any of our other generation units in our leveraged lease portfolio, and such write-downs could be material
Inability to maintain sufficient liquidity in the amounts and at the times needed or access sufficient capital at reasonable rates or on commercially reasonable terms could adversely impact our business.
Funding for our investments in capital improvement and additions, scheduled payments of principal and interest on our existing indebtedness and the extension and refinancing of such indebtedness has been provided primarily by internally-generated cash flow and external financings. We have significant capital requirements and depend on our ability to generate cash in the future from our operations and continued access to capital and credit markets to efficiently fund our cash flow needs. Our ability to generate cash flow is dependent upon, among other things, industry conditions and general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors. The ability to arrange financing and the costs of such financing depend on numerous factors including, among other things.
•
general economic and capital market conditions;
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the availability of credit from banks and other financial institutions;
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tax, regulatory and securities law developments;
•
for PSE&G, our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the incurrence of additional indebtedness;
•
investor confidence in us and our industry;
•
our current level of indebtedness and compliance with covenants in our debt agreements;
•
the success of current projects and the quality of new projects;
•
our current and future capital structure;
•
our financial performance and the continued reliable operation of our business; and
•
maintenance of our investment grade credit ratings.
Market disruptions, such as economic downturns experienced in the U.S. and abroad in recent years, the bankruptcy of an unrelated energy company, changes in market prices for electricity and gas, and actual or threatened terrorist attacks, may increase our cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to access capital. As a result, no assurance can be given that we will be successful in obtaining financing for projects and investments, to extend or refinance maturing debt or for our other cash flow needs on acceptable terms or at all, which could materially adversely impact our financial position, results of operations and future growth.
In addition, if Power were to lose its investment grade credit rating from S&P or Moody’s, it would be required under certain agreements to provide a significant amount of additional collateral in the form of letters of credit or cash, which would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and cash flows.
We may be unable to realize anticipated tax benefits or retain existing tax credits.
The deferred tax assets and tax credits of PSEG, PSE&G or Power are evaluated for ultimate ability to realize these assets. A valuation allowance may be recorded against the deferred tax assets if we estimate that such assets are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence including cumulative and forecasted pretax book earnings at the time the estimate is made. A valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets or the monetization of tax credits can be affected by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future taxable income levels. In the event that we determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in the future or the benefit of tax credits, we would reduce such amounts through a charge to income tax expense in the period in which that determination was made, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Challenges associated with recruitment and/or retention of key executives and a skilled workforce could adversely impact our businesses.
Our operations depend on the recruitment and retention of key executives and a skilled workforce. The loss or retirement of key executives or other employees, including those with the specialized knowledge required to support our generation, transmission and distribution operations, could result in various operational challenges. Certain events, such as the potential for early retirement of our nuclear facilities, can make it more difficult to retain these employees. We may incur increased costs for contractors to replace employees, and the loss of institutional and industry knowledge and the increased costs to hire and lengthy time to train new personnel could result in lower productivity, resulting in increased costs, which would negatively impact our results of operations. This has the potential to become more critical as a growing number of employees become eligible to retire.
As of December 31, 2017, approximately 62% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. As a result, our success will depend on our ability to successfully renegotiate these agreements as they expire. Inability to do so may result in employee strikes or work stoppages which would disrupt our operations and could also result in increased costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Covenants in our debt instruments may adversely affect our operations.
PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and Power’s debt instruments contain events of default customary for financings of their type, including cross accelerations to other debt of that entity and, in the case of PSEG’s and Power’s bank credit agreements, certain change of control events. Power’s bank credit agreements and outstanding notes also contain limitations on the incurrence of subsidiary debt and liens and Power’s outstanding notes require Power to repurchase such notes upon certain change of control events. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. If we fail to comply with the covenants and are unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, or a default exists and is continuing under such debt, the lenders or the holders or trustee of such debt, as applicable, could give notice and declare outstanding borrowings and other obligations under such debt immediately due and payable. We may not be able to obtain waivers, amendments or alternative financing, or if obtainable, it could be on terms that are not acceptable to us. Any of these events could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Cybersecurity attacks or intrusions could adversely impact our businesses.
Cybersecurity threats to the U.S. energy market infrastructure are increasing in sophistication, magnitude and frequency. We rely on information technology systems that utilize sophisticated digital systems and network infrastructure to operate our generation, transmission and distribution systems. We also store sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers and vendors on our systems and conduct power marketing and hedging activities. In addition, the operation of our business is dependent upon the information technology systems of third parties, including our vendors, regulators, RTOs and Independent System Operators (ISOs), among others. Our and third-party information technology systems may be vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks involving domestic or foreign sources. A cybersecurity attack may also leverage such information technology to cause disruptions at a third party. Cybersecurity impacts to our operations include:
•
disruption of the operation of our assets and the power grid,
•
theft of confidential company, employee, shareholder, vendor or customer information, which may cause us to be in breach of certain covenants and contractual obligations,
•
general business system and process interruption or compromise, including preventing us from servicing our customers, collecting revenues or the ability to record, process and/or report financial information correctly, and
•
breaches of vendors’ infrastructures where our confidential information is stored.
In late 2017, PSE&G learned that its customers may be affected by a potential data breach involving the systems of TIO Networks, a subsidiary of PayPal Holdings. PayPal notified PSE&G that there was unauthorized access to TIO Networks’ system that stores customer information. TIO Networks processed payments made at automated kiosks in PSE&G’s walk-in customer service centers between 2012 and 2017. TIO Networks also facilitated payments PSE&G customers made at third-party payment centers, such as local convenience stores, that accept utility bill payments. The account numbers and addresses for PSE&G’s approximately 2.5 million customers may have been exposed as a result of the suspected breach. Customers paying by check via kiosk at one of PSE&G’s Customer Service Centers also may have had their personal checking account number and routing number exposed. We continue to work with TIO Networks and PayPal to analyze the impact of this event. While we have experienced and expect to continue to experience actual or attempted cyber-attacks on our information technology systems, none of these incidents has had a material impact on our operations or financial condition.
If a significant cybersecurity event or breach should occur within our company or with one of our material vendors, we could be exposed to significant loss of revenue, material repair costs to intellectual and physical property, significant fines and penalties for non-compliance with existing laws and regulations, significant litigation costs, increased costs to finance our businesses, reputational damage and loss of confidence from our customers, regulators, investors, vendors and employees. Similarly, a significant cybersecurity event or breach experienced by a competitor, regulatory authority, RTO, ISO, or vendor could also materially impact our business and results of operations via enhanced legal and regulatory requirements. For a discussion of state and federal cybersecurity regulatory requirements and information regarding our cybersecurity program, see Part 1, Item 1. Regulatory Issues.
The market for cybersecurity insurance is relatively new and coverage available for cybersecurity events may evolve as the industry matures. While we maintain insurance relating to cybersecurity events, such insurance is subject to a number of exclusions and may be insufficient to offset any losses, costs or damage we experience.
Acts of war or terrorism could adversely affect our operations.
Our businesses and industry may be impacted by acts and threats of war or terrorism. These actions could result in increased political, economic and financial and insurance market instability and volatility in power and fuel markets, which could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations, including our ability to access capital on terms and conditions acceptable to us. In addition, our infrastructure facilities, such as our generating stations, transmission and distribution facilities and information technology systems, could be direct or indirect targets or be affected by terrorist or other criminal activity. Such events could severely disrupt our business operations and prevent us from servicing our customers. New or updated security regulations may require us to make changes to our current measures which could also result in additional expenses.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
PSEG, PSE&G and Power
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our subsidiaries own all of our physical property. We believe that we and our subsidiaries maintain adequate insurance coverage against loss or damage to plants and properties, subject to certain exceptions, to the extent such property is usually insured and insurance is available at a reasonable cost. For a discussion of nuclear insurance, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
Generation Facilities
Power
As of December 31, 2017, Power’s share of installed fossil and nuclear generating capacity is shown in the following table:
(A)
Operated by GenOn Northeast Management Company.
(B)
Operated by Exelon Generation.
(C)
Operated by Jersey Central Power & Light Company.
As of December 31, 2017, Power also owned and operated 414 MW dc of photovoltaic solar generation facilities in various states.
PSE&G
Primarily all of PSE&G’s property is located in New Jersey and PSE&G’s First and Refunding Mortgage, which secures the bonds issued thereunder, constitutes a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of PSE&G’s property. PSE&G’s electric lines and gas mains are located over or under public highways, streets, alleys or lands, except where they are located over or under property owned by PSE&G or occupied by it under easements or other rights. PSE&G deems these easements and other rights to be adequate for the purposes for which they are being used.
Electric Property and Facilities
As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G’s electric transmission and distribution system included approximately 24,000 circuit miles, and 853,000 poles, of which 65% are jointly-owned. In addition, PSE&G owns and operates 50 switching stations with an aggregate installed capacity of 36,023 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and 244 substations with an aggregate installed capacity of 8,250 MVA. Four of those substations, having an aggregate installed capacity of 109 MVA are operated on leased property. In addition, PSE&G owns four electric distribution headquarters and five electric sub-headquarters.
Gas Property and Facilities
As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G’s gas system included approximately 18,000 miles of gas mains, 12 gas distribution headquarters, two sub-headquarters, and one meter shop serving all of its gas territory in New Jersey. In addition, PSE&G operates 58 natural gas metering and regulating stations, of which 22 are located on land owned by customers or natural gas pipeline suppliers and are operated under lease, easement or other similar arrangement. In some instances, the pipeline companies own portions of the metering and regulating facilities. PSE&G also owns one liquefied natural gas (LNG) and three liquid petroleum air gas (LPG) peaking facilities. The daily gas capacity of these peaking facilities (the maximum daily gas delivery available during the three peak winter months) is approximately 2.8 million therms in the aggregate.
Solar
As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G had 123 MW dc of installed solar capacity throughout New Jersey.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are party to various lawsuits and environmental and regulatory matters, including in the ordinary course of business. For information regarding material legal proceedings, see Item 1. Business-Regulatory Issues and Environmental Matters and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.

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ITEM 4. RESERVED
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. As of February 16, 2018, there were 60,868 registered holders.
The graph below shows a comparison of the five-year cumulative return assuming $100 invested on December 31, 2012 in our common stock and the subsequent reinvestment of quarterly dividends, the S&P Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Utilities Index and the S&P Electric Utilities Index.
The following table indicates the high and low sale prices for our common stock and dividends paid for the periods indicated:
On February 20, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $0.45 per share common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2018. This reflects an indicative annual dividend rate of $1.80 per share. We expect to continue to pay cash dividends on our common stock; however, the declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements of our businesses, alternate investment opportunities, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant.
The following table indicates our common share repurchases in the open market during the fourth quarter of 2017 to satisfy obligations under various equity compensation award grants:
In December 2017, we entered into a share repurchase plan that complies with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, solely with respect to the repurchase of shares to satisfy obligations under equity compensation awards that are expected to vest or be exercised in 2018.
The following table indicates the securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017:
For additional discussion of specific plans concerning equity-based compensation, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 18. Stock Based Compensation.
PSE&G
We own all of the common stock of PSE&G. For additional information regarding PSE&G’s ability to continue to pay dividends, see Item 7. MD&A-Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Power
We own all of Power’s outstanding limited liability company membership interests. For additional information regarding Power’s ability to pay dividends, see Item 7. MD&A-Liquidity and Capital Resources.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
PSEG
The information presented below should be read in conjunction with the MD&A and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes).
(A)
Operating Revenues for 2017, 2016 and 2015 includes $438 million, $410 million and $375 million, respectively, for Long Island Electric Utility Servco, LLC (Servco), a wholly owned subsidiary of PSEG LI. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 4. Variable Interest Entity for additional information.
(B)
Income from Continuing Operations and Net Income for 2017 and 2016 includes after-tax expenses of $577 million and $396 million, respectively, related to the early retirement of Power’s Hudson and Mercer coal/gas generation plants and after-tax charges for 2017 and 2016 totaling $45 million and $92 million, respectively, related to investments in REMA’s leveraged leases and an after-tax insurance recovery for Superstorm Sandy of $102 million for 2015. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements, Note 7. Long-Term Investments and Note 8. Financing Receivables for additional information for 2017.
(C)
Income from Continuing Operations and Net Income for 2017, include the non-cash net income benefit of $745 million, primarily resulting from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities required due to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-See Note 20. Income Taxes for additional information for 2017.
(D)
Includes capital lease obligations.
PSE&G and Power
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)
This combined MD&A is separately filed by Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and PSEG Power LLC (Power). Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. PSE&G and Power each make representations only as to itself and make no representations whatsoever as to any other company.
PSEG’s business consists of two reportable segments, our principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries, which are:
•
PSE&G-which is a public utility engaged principally in the transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and natural gas in certain areas of New Jersey. PSE&G is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE&G also invests in solar generation projects and energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey, which are regulated by the BPU, and
•
Power-which is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States through its principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, Power owns and operates solar generation in various states. Power’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation by FERC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states in which they operate.
PSEG’s other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) transmission and distribution (T&D) system under an Operations Services Agreement (OSA); PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which primarily has investments in leveraged leases; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides certain management, administrative and general services to PSEG and its subsidiaries at cost.
Our business discussion in Item 1. Business provides a review of the regions and markets where we operate and compete, as well as our strategy for conducting our businesses within these markets, focusing on operational excellence, financial strength and making disciplined investments. Our risk factor discussion in Item 1A. Risk Factors provides information about factors that could have a material adverse impact on our businesses. The following discussion provides an overview of the significant events and business developments that have occurred during 2017 and key factors that we expect may drive our future performance. This discussion refers to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Statements) and the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes). This discussion should be read in conjunction with such Statements and Notes.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW OF 2017 AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
2017 Overview
Our business plan is designed to achieve growth while managing the risks associated with fluctuating commodity prices and changes in customer demand. We continue our focus on operational excellence, financial strength and disciplined investment. These guiding principles have provided the base from which we have been able to execute our strategic initiatives, including:
•
improving utility operations through growth in investment in T&D and other infrastructure projects designed to enhance system reliability and resiliency and to meet customer expectations and public policy objectives, and
•
maintaining and expanding a reliable generation fleet with the flexibility to utilize a diverse mix of fuels which allows us to respond to market volatility and capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
Financial Results
The results for PSEG, PSE&G and Power for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented below:
Our 2017 over 2016 increase in Net Income was due primarily to the favorable impacts of new tax legislation at Power and Energy Holdings in 2017, discussed below, partially offset by higher charges in 2017 related to the early retirement of our Hudson and Mercer units. Higher transmission revenues in 2017 at PSE&G, lower charges in 2017 related to investments in certain leveraged leases at Energy Holdings and lower plant outage costs at Power, partially offset by lower volumes of electricity sold at lower average prices, also contributed to the increase in Net Income. For a more detailed discussion of our financial results, see Results of Operations.
During 2017, we maintained a strong balance sheet. We continued to effectively deploy capital without the need for additional equity, while our solid credit ratings aided our ability to access capital and credit markets. The greater emphasis on capital spending for projects on which we receive contemporaneous returns at PSE&G, our regulated utility, in recent years has yielded strong results, which when combined with the cash flow generated by Power, our merchant generator and power marketer, has allowed us to increase our dividend. These actions to transition our business to meet market conditions and investor expectations reflect our multi-year, long-term approach to managing our company. Our focus has been to invest capital in T&D and other infrastructure projects aimed at maintaining service reliability to our customers and bolstering our system resiliency. At Power, we strive to improve performance and reduce costs in order to enhance the value of our generation fleet in light of low gas prices, environmental considerations and competitive market forces that reward efficiency and reliability.
At PSE&G, we continue to invest in transmission projects that focus on reliability improvements and replacement of aging infrastructure. We also continue to make investments to improve the resiliency of our gas and electric distribution system as part of our Energy Strong program that was approved by the BPU in 2014 and to seek recovery on such investments. We are modernizing PSE&G’s gas distribution systems as part of our Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP) that was approved by the BPU in late 2015. In July 2017, we filed a petition with the BPU for a GSMP II program, an extension of GSMP to continue to modernize our gas system, through which PSE&G has proposed investing $2.7 billion over five years beginning in 2019. This matter is pending. We believe the petition is consistent with the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) regulations that the BPU approved in December 2017. In August 2017, the BPU approved PSE&G’s petition for an Energy Efficiency 2017 Program (EE 2017) to extend three existing energy efficiency subprograms (multi-family, direct install and hospital efficiency) and establish two new residential energy efficiency offerings. The EE 2017 allows for $69 million of additional investment and $16 million of additional administrative and information technology costs. The EE 2017 was added as the eleventh component of the Green Program Recovery Charges (GPRC) rate effective September 1, 2017. Over the past few years, these types of investments have altered our business mix to reflect a higher percentage of earnings contribution by PSE&G.
In January 2018, PSE&G filed a distribution base rate case as required by the BPU as a condition of approval of its Energy Strong Program. The filing requests an approximate one percent increase in revenues and seeks to recover investments made to strengthen electric and gas distribution systems. In its filing, PSE&G requested that these rates take into account a reduction in the revenue requirement as a result of the federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% provided in new tax legislation enacted in December 2017 (Tax Act), including a one-time credit for estimated excess income taxes collected between January 1, 2018 and the time new rates go into effect, and the flow-back to customers of certain additional tax benefits. PSE&G anticipates the new base rates will take effect in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Separately, in January 2018, the BPU issued an order commencing a proceeding to ensure that the rate revenue resulting from expenses relating to taxes reflected in rates but no longer owed as the result of the Tax Act shall be passed onto the ratepayers. The BPU directed New Jersey utilities (including PSE&G) to make filings by March 2, 2018 setting forth interim rates to be effective April 1, 2018, reflecting the new federal corporate tax rate, and to subsequently file proposed final rates, effective July 1, 2018, incorporating all other effects of the Tax Act. This proceeding is currently pending.
As a result of the enactment of the Tax Act, various state regulatory authorities, including the BPU, have taken action to ensure that excess federal income taxes previously collected in rates are returned to ratepayers. We have made filings to adjust the revenue requirement in certain of our rate matters as a result of the change in federal income tax rate. We continue to assess whether any further action needs to be taken by the company at this time.
For additional information on our specific filings, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Power manages its existing firm pipeline transportation contracts for the benefit of PSE&G’s customers through the basic gas supply service (BGSS) arrangement. The contracts are sized to provide for delivery of a reliable gas supply to PSE&G customers on peak winter days. When pipeline capacity beyond the customers’ needs is available, Power may use it to make third-party sales and supply gas to its generating units in New Jersey. Alternatively, gas supply and pipeline capacity constraints could adversely impact our ability to meet the needs of our utility customers and generating units. Power’s hedging practices and ability to capitalize on market opportunities help it to balance some of the volatility of the merchant power business. More than half of Power’s expected gross margin in 2018 relates to our hedging strategy, our expected revenues from the capacity market mechanisms and certain ancillary service payments such as reactive power.
Our investments in Keys Energy Center (Keys), Sewaren 7 and Bridgeport Harbor Station 5 (BH5) reflect our recognition of the value of opportunistic growth in the Power business. See Item 1. Business-Power for additional information on major growth projects. These additions to our fleet both expand our geographic diversity and adjust our fuel mix and are expected to contribute to the overall efficiency of operations.
Since 2013, several nuclear generating stations in the United States have closed or announced early retirement due to economic reasons, or have announced being at risk for early retirement. Most recently, in February 2018, Exelon, a co-owner of the Salem units, announced its intention to accelerate the closure of its Oyster Creek nuclear plant located in New Jersey, one year earlier than previously planned for economic reasons. These closures and retirements are generally due to the decline in market prices of energy, resulting from low natural gas prices driven by the growth of shale gas production since 2007, the continuing cost of regulatory compliance and enhanced security for nuclear facilities, both federal and state-level policies that provide financial incentives to construct renewable energy such as wind and solar and the failure to adequately compensate nuclear generating stations for the attributes they bring similar to renewable energy production. These trends have significantly reduced the revenues of nuclear generating stations while limiting their ability to reduce the unit cost of production. This may result in the electric generation industry experiencing a further shift from nuclear generation to natural gas-fired generation, creating less diversity of the generation fleet.
If any or all of the Salem and Hope Creek units were shut down, it would significantly alter New Jersey’s energy supply predominately by increasing New Jersey’s reliance on natural gas generation. Such a decrease in fuel diversity could also increase the market’s vulnerability to price fluctuations and power disruptions in times of high demand. The New Jersey Legislature is assessing legislation that would provide a safety net in order to prevent the loss of environmental attributes from nuclear generating stations. We cannot predict whether the legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, whether our nuclear generating stations in New Jersey will be selected or whether the legislation will provide a sufficient safety net for the continued operation of nuclear generating stations in New Jersey.
In the ordinary course, management, and in the case of the Salem units the co-owner, each makes a number of decisions that impact the operation of our nuclear units beyond the current year, including whether and to what extent these units participate in RPM capacity auctions, commitments relating to refueling outages and significant capital expenditures, and decisions regarding our hedging arrangements. When considering whether to make these future commitments, management’s decisions will primarily be influenced by the financial outlook of the units, including the progress, timing and continued outlook for enactment of proposed legislation in the state of New Jersey.
If market prices continue to be depressed and legislation is not enacted that adequately compensates nuclear generating stations for their attributes, Power anticipates it will no longer be covering its costs nor be adequately compensated for its market and operational risks at the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear units and would anticipate retiring these units early. The costs associated with any such retirement, which may include, among other things, accelerated depreciation and amortization or impairment charges, accelerated asset retirement costs, severance costs, environmental remediation costs and additional funding of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (NDT) would be material to both PSEG and Power.
Regulatory, Legislative and Other Developments
In our pursuit of operational excellence, financial strength and disciplined investment, we closely monitor and engage with stakeholders on significant regulatory and legislative developments. Transmission planning rules and wholesale power market design are of particular importance to our results and we continue to advocate for policies and rules that promote fair and efficient electricity markets.
Transmission Planning
There are several matters pending before FERC and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that concern the allocation of costs associated with transmission projects being constructed by PSE&G. Regardless of how these proceedings are resolved, PSE&G’s ability to recover the costs of these projects will not be affected. However, the result of these proceedings could ultimately impact the amount of costs borne by ratepayers in New Jersey. In addition, as a basic generation service (BGS) supplier, Power provides services that include specified transmission costs. If the allocation of the costs associated with the transmission projects were to increase these BGS-related transmission costs, BGS suppliers may be entitled to recovery, subject to BPU approval. We do not believe that these matters will have a material effect on Power’s business or results of operations.
Several complaints have been filed and several remain pending at FERC against transmission owners around the country, challenging those transmission owners’ base return on equity (ROE). Certain of those complaints have resulted in decisions and others have been settled, resulting in reductions of those transmission owners’ base ROEs. The results of these other proceedings could set precedents for other transmission owners with formula rates in place, including PSE&G.
Wholesale Power Market Design
Capacity market design, including the Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) in PJM, remains an important focus for us. During 2015, PJM implemented a new “Capacity Performance” (CP) mechanism that created a more robust capacity product with enhanced incentives for performance during emergency conditions and significant penalties for non-performance. The CP product was implemented fully in the May 2017 RPM auction for the 2020-2021 Delivery Year. Subsequent to its implementation, FERC approved changes to the CP construct that will enhance the participation of intermittent and demand response resources (seasonal resources). However, two complaints remain pending that ask FERC to investigate the rules governing the participation of seasonal resources and extend the participation of the base resources for future auctions.
In May 2017, PJM announced the results of the RPM capacity auction for the 2020-2021 Delivery Year. Power cleared approximately 7,800 MW of its generating capacity at an average price of $174 per MW-day for the 2020-2021 delivery period. In the two prior capacity auctions covering the 2019-2020 and 2018-2019 delivery years, Power cleared approximately 8,900 MW at an average price of $116 per MW-day and approximately 8,700 MW at an average price of $215 per MW-day, respectively. Prices in the most recent auction reflect PJM’s downwardly-revised demand forecast, changes in the emergency transfer limits due to transmission expansion and the effects of both the new generation and uncleared generation from the prior year’s auction.
As a result of the efforts of certain entities in PJM to obtain financial support arrangements from their state commissions, a group of suppliers requested that FERC direct PJM to expand the currently effective “minimum offer price rule” to apply to certain existing units seeking subsidies. The suppliers’ request was intended to avoid a scenario where the subsidized generators would submit bids into the PJM capacity market that did not reflect their actual costs of operation and could artificially suppress capacity market prices. We are currently awaiting FERC action on the suppliers’ request and cannot predict the outcome of the proceeding.
In June 2017, PJM issued an energy price formation proposal to address a flaw in the energy market in which energy prices during off-peak periods often do not reflect the production costs of generators during these periods even though they are serving load. PJM’s proposal would allow large, inflexible units to set price. If placed into effect, this proposal will improve price formation by ensuring that the marginal costs of units serving load will be better reflected in clearing prices. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
See Item 1. Business-Federal Regulation for additional information.
Distribution
The BPU has enacted IIP regulations that allow utilities to construct, install, or remediate utility plant and facilities related to reliability, resiliency, and/or safety to support the provision of safe and adequate service. Under these regulations, utilities can seek authority to make specified infrastructure investments in programs extending for up to five years with accelerated cost recovery mechanisms. The BPU characterized the IIP regulations as a regulatory initiative intended to create a financial incentive for utilities to accelerate the level of investment needed to promote the timely rehabilitation and replacement of certain non-revenue producing infrastructure that enhances reliability, resiliency, and/or safety.
Environmental Regulation
We continue to advocate for the development and implementation of fair and reasonable rules by the EPA and state environmental regulators. In particular, section 316(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act requires that cooling water intake structures, which are a significant part of the generation of electricity at steam-electric generating stations, reflect the
best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Implementation of Section 316(b) and related state regulations could adversely impact future nuclear and fossil operations and costs.
In March 2017, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order that instructed the EPA to review the New Source Performance Standards that establish emissions standards for CO2 for certain new fossil power plants, and the Clean Power Plan (CPP), a greenhouse gas emissions regulation under the Clean Air Act for existing power plants that establishes state-specific emission rate targets based on implementation of the best system of emission reduction. In October 2017, the EPA Administrator signed a proposed repeal of the CPP. The EPA Administrator concluded that the CPP exceeds the EPA’s statutory authority by considering measures that are beyond the control of the owners of the affected sources (fossil fuel-fired electric generating units). The EPA is considering rulemaking to replace the CPP. PSEG cannot assess the impact of any such rulemaking on its business and future results of operations at this time.
We are subject to liability under environmental laws for the costs of remediating environmental contamination of property now or formerly owned by us and of property contaminated by hazardous substances that we generated. In particular, the historic operations of PSEG companies and the operations of numerous other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex in violation of various statutes. We are also currently involved in a number of proceedings relating to sites where other hazardous substances may have been discharged and may be subject to additional proceedings in the future, and the costs of any such remediation efforts could be material.
For further information regarding the matters described above, as well as other matters that may impact our financial condition and results of operations, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
FERC Compliance
Since September 2014, FERC Staff has been conducting a preliminary non-public investigation regarding errors in the calculation of certain components of Power’s cost-based bids for its New Jersey fossil generating units in the PJM energy market and the quantity of energy that Power offered into the energy market for its fossil peaking units compared to the amounts for which Power was compensated in the capacity market for those units. While considerable uncertainty remains as to the final resolution of these matters, based upon developments in the investigation in the first quarter of 2017, Power believes the disgorgement and interest costs related to the cost-based bidding matter may range between approximately $35 million and $135 million, depending on the legal interpretation of the principles under the PJM Tariff, plus penalties. Since no point within this range is more likely than any other, Power has accrued the low end of this range of $35 million by recording an additional pre-tax charge to income of $10 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. PSEG is unable to reasonably estimate the range of possible loss, if any, for the quantity of energy offered matter or the penalties that FERC would impose relating to either the cost-based bidding or quantity of energy matter. However, any of these amounts could be individually material to PSEG and Power. We cannot predict the final outcome of these matters. For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
Early Retirement of Hudson and Mercer Units
On June 1, 2017, Power completed its previously announced retirement of the generation operations of the existing coal/gas units at the Hudson and Mercer generating stations. The decision to retire the Hudson and Mercer units had a material effect on PSEG’s and Power’s results of operations in 2016 and continued to adversely impact their results of operations in 2017. As of June 1, 2017, Power completed recognition of the incremental Depreciation and Amortization (D&A) of $938 million ($964 million in total) due to the significant shortening of the expected economic useful lives of Hudson and Mercer. During 2017, Energy Costs of $15 million and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of $23 million were also incurred. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements for additional information.
Power is exploring various opportunities with these sites, including using the sites for alternative industrial activity or the disposition of one or both of the sites. If Power determines not to use the sites for alternative industrial activity, the early retirement of the units at such sites would trigger obligations under certain environmental regulations, including possible remediation. The amounts for any such remediation are neither currently probable nor estimable but may be material.
In addition, PSEG and Power continue to monitor their other coal assets, including the Keystone and Conemaugh generating stations, to assess their economic viability through the end of their designated useful lives and their continued classification as held for use. The precise timing of a change in useful lives may be dependent upon events out of PSEG’s and Power’s control and may impact their ability to operate or maintain certain assets in the future. These generating stations may be impacted by factors such as environmental legislation, co-owner capital requirements and continued depressed wholesale power prices or capacity factors, among other things. Any early retirement or change in the classification as held for use of our remaining coal units may have a material adverse impact on PSEG’s and Power’s future financial results.
Leveraged Lease Impairments
GenOn Energy, Inc. (GenOn) and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on June 14, 2017. NRG REMA, LLC (REMA) was not included in the GenOn bankruptcy filing. GenOn is currently engaged in a balance sheet restructuring, which will take an undetermined time to complete. PSEG cannot predict the outcome of GenOn’s efforts to restructure its balance sheet and improve its liquidity.
During the first quarter of 2017, due to continuing liquidity issues facing REMA, economic challenges facing coal generation in PJM, and based upon an ongoing review of available alternatives as well as discussions with REMA management, Energy Holdings recorded an additional $55 million pre-tax charge for its current best estimate of loss relating to its REMA leveraged lease receivables, which was reflected in Operating Revenues. During the second quarter of 2017, Energy Holdings recorded an additional $22 million pre-tax charge for its current best estimate of loss related to lease receivables due to collectability of payments ($15 million) and economics impacting the residual value ($7 million) of certain leased assets. PSEG continues to monitor any changes to REMA’s and GenOn’s status and potential impacts on Energy Holdings’ lease investments, which could include further write-downs of the values of Energy Holdings’ leveraged lease receivables, and continue to discuss the situation with various parties relevant to this matter. For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 7. Long-Term Investments and Note 8. Financing Receivables. There can be no assurance that a continuation or worsening of the adverse economic conditions would not lead to additional write-downs at any of our other generation units in our leveraged lease portfolio, and such write-downs could be material.
Additional facilities in our leveraged lease portfolio include the Joliet and Powerton generating facilities. Similar to Shawville, Joliet was recently converted to use natural gas. Converted natural gas units such as Shawville and Joliet may have higher operating costs and fuel consumption as well as longer start-up times compared to newer combined cycle gas units. Powerton is a coal-fired generating facility in Illinois. Each of these three facilities may not be as economically competitive as newer combined cycle gas units and could continue to be adversely impacted by the same economic conditions experienced by other less efficient natural gas and coal generation facilities, which could require Energy Holdings to write down the residual value of the leveraged lease receivables associated with these facilities.
Tax Legislation
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation (Tax Act), which, among other things, decreased the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and made certain changes to bonus depreciation rules.
As a result of the enacted reduction in the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate, as well as other aspects of the Tax Act, we have recorded a one-time, non-cash earnings benefit of $745 million, including $588 million related to Power and $147 million related to Energy Holdings. This benefit is primarily due to the remeasurement of deferred tax balances. In addition, PSE&G had excess deferred taxes of approximately $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2017 and recorded an approximate $2.9 billion revenue impact of these excess deferred taxes as Regulatory Liabilities where it is probable that refunds will be made to customers in future rates. The amount and timing of any such refund cannot be determined at this time.
Beginning in 2018, PSEG, on a consolidated basis, will incur lower income tax expense resulting in a decrease in its projected effective income tax rate. This is also expected to increase PSEG’s and Power’s net income. To the extent allowed under the Tax Act, Power’s operating cash flows will reflect the full expensing of capital investments for income tax purposes. PSEG and Power expect that the interest on their debt will continue to be fully tax deductible albeit at a lower tax rate. For PSE&G, the Tax Act is expected to lead to lower customer rates due to lower income tax expense recoveries and the refund of deferred income tax regulatory liabilities, partially offset by the impacts of higher rate base. The impact of the lower federal income tax rate on PSE&G was reflected in PSE&G’s recently filed distribution base rate case and its transmission formula rate filings. The Tax Act is generally expected to result in lower operating cash flows for PSE&G resulting from the elimination of bonus depreciation, partially offset by higher revenues due to the higher rate base. The full impact of these and other provisions of the Tax Act cannot be determined at this time.
The impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions PSEG has made, guidance that may be issued and actions PSEG may take as a result of the Tax Act. For additional information, see Note 20. Income Taxes.
Operational Excellence
We emphasize operational performance while developing opportunities in both our competitive and regulated businesses. Flexibility in our generating fleet has allowed us to take advantage of opportunities in a rapidly evolving market as we remain diligent in managing costs. In 2017, our
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diverse fuel mix and dispatch flexibility allowed us to generate approximately 51 terra-watt hours while addressing
fuel availability and price volatility,
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total nuclear fleet achieved an average capacity factor of 94%, and
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utility was recognized for the sixteenth consecutive year as the most reliable utility in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Financial Strength
Our financial strength is predicated on a solid balance sheet, positive operating cash flow and reasonable risk-adjusted returns on increased investment. Our financial position remained strong during 2017 as we:
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maintained sufficient liquidity,
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maintained solid investment grade credit ratings, and
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increased our indicative annual dividend for 2017 to $1.72 per share.
We expect to be able to fund our planned capital requirements, as described in Liquidity and Capital Resources, and manage the impacts of the Tax Act without the issuance of new equity.
Disciplined Investment
We utilize rigorous investment criteria when deploying capital and seek to invest in areas that complement our existing business and provide reasonable risk-adjusted returns. These areas include upgrading our energy infrastructure, responding to trends in environmental protection and providing new energy supplies in domestic markets with growing demand. In 2017, we
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made additional investments in transmission infrastructure projects,
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continued to execute our GSMP, Energy Strong, Energy Efficiency, solar and other existing BPU-approved utility programs,
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continued construction of our Keys and Sewaren 7 generation projects for targeted commercial operation in 2018 and commenced construction of our BH5 generation project for targeted commercial operation in mid-2019, and
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acquired six solar energy projects in various states totaling 88 MW-direct current (dc), for a total of 414 MW (dc) of installed capacity in 14 states throughout the U.S.
Future Outlook
Our future success will depend on our ability to continue to maintain strong operational and financial performance in a slow-growing economy and a cost-constrained environment with low gas prices, to capitalize on or otherwise address appropriately regulatory and legislative developments that impact our business and to respond to the issues and challenges described below. In order to do this, we must continue to:
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focus on controlling costs while maintaining safety and reliability and complying with applicable standards and requirements,
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successfully manage our energy obligations and re-contract our open supply positions in response to changes in demand,
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execute our utility capital investment program, including our Energy Strong program, GSMP and other investments for growth that yield contemporaneous and reasonable risk-adjusted returns, while enhancing the resiliency of our infrastructure and maintaining the reliability of the service we provide to our customers, and obtain approval for extension of these programs,
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effectively manage construction of our Keys, Sewaren 7, BH5 and other generation projects,
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advocate for measures to ensure the implementation by PJM and FERC of market design and transmission planning rules that continue to promote fair and efficient electricity markets,
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engage multiple stakeholders, including regulators, government officials, customers and investors, and
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successfully operate the LIPA T&D system and manage LIPA’s fuel supply and generation dispatch obligations.
For 2018 and beyond, the key issues and challenges we expect our business to confront include:
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regulatory and political uncertainty, both with regard to future energy policy, design of energy and capacity markets, transmission policy and environmental regulation, as well as with respect to the outcome of any legal, regulatory or other proceeding, settlement, investigation or claim, applicable to us and/or the energy industry,
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fair and timely rate relief from the BPU and FERC for recovery of costs and return on investments, including with respect to our distribution base rate case which was filed with the BPU in January 2018,
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continuing discussions regarding the restructuring of GenOn and REMA and its potential impact on the value of our Keystone, Conemaugh and Shawville leveraged leases,
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the continuing impact of the Tax Act,
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uncertainty in the national and regional economic recovery, continuing customer conservation efforts, changes in energy usage patterns and evolving technologies, which impact customer behaviors and demand,
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the potential for continued reductions in demand and sustained lower natural gas and electricity prices, both at market hubs and the locations where we operate,
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the impact of lower natural gas prices and increasing environmental compliance costs on the competitiveness of our nuclear and remaining coal-fired generation plants, and the potential for retirement of such plants earlier than their current useful lives,
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delays and other obstacles that might arise in connection with the construction of our T&D, generation and other development projects, including in connection with permitting and regulatory approvals,
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maintaining a diverse mix of fuels to mitigate risks associated with fuel price volatility and market demand cycles, and
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FERC Staff’s continuing investigation of certain of Power’s New Jersey fossil generating unit bids in the PJM energy market.
Our primary investment opportunities are in two areas: our regulated utility business and our merchant power business. We continually assess a broad range of strategic options to maximize long-term stockholder value. In assessing our options, we consider a wide variety of factors, including the performance and prospects of our businesses; the views of investors, regulators and rating agencies; our existing indebtedness and restrictions it imposes; and tax considerations, among other things. Strategic options available to us include:
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the acquisition, construction or disposition of T&D facilities and/or generation units,
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the disposition or reorganization of our merchant generation business or other existing businesses or the acquisition or development of new businesses,
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the expansion of our geographic footprint,
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continued or expanded participation in solar, demand response and energy efficiency programs, and
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investments in capital improvements and additions, including the installation of environmental upgrades and retrofits, improvements to system resiliency, modernizing existing infrastructure and participation in transmission projects through FERC’s “open window” solicitation process.
Power is developing a retail energy business to sell energy, which we believe complements our existing wholesale marketing business. Power began these marketing activities in 2017 and has been granted retail energy supplier licenses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
There can be no assurance, however, that we will successfully develop and execute any of the strategic options noted above, or any additional options we may consider in the future. The execution of any such strategic plan may not have the expected benefits or may have unexpected adverse consequences.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(A)
Power’s results in 2017 and 2016 include after-tax expenses of $577 million and $396 million, respectively, related to the early retirement of its Hudson and Mercer coal/gas generation plants. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements for additional information. Power’s results in 2015 include an after-tax insurance recovery for Superstorm Sandy of $102 million.
(B)
Results in 2017 include the non-cash net income benefit of $745 million, including $588 million related to Power and $147 million related to Energy Holdings, resulting from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities required due to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017.
(C)
Other includes after-tax activities at the parent company, PSEG LI and Energy Holdings as well as intercompany eliminations. Energy Holdings recorded after-tax charges totaling $45 million and $92 million related to its investments in REMA’s leveraged leases in 2017 and 2016. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 7. Long-Term Investments and Note 8. Financing Receivables for further information.
Our results include the realized gains, losses and earnings on Power’s Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) Fund and other related NDT activity. Realized gains and losses, interest and dividend income and other costs related to the NDT Fund are recorded in Other Income (Deductions), and impairments on certain NDT securities are recorded as Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. Interest accretion expense on Power’s nuclear Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) is recorded in O&M Expense and the depreciation related to the ARO asset is recorded in D&A Expense.
Our results also include the after-tax impacts of non-trading mark-to-market (MTM) activity, which consist of the financial impact from positions with forward delivery dates.
The combined after-tax impact on Net Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 include the changes related to NDT Fund and MTM activity shown in the chart below:
(A)
Net of tax (expense) benefit of $(72) million, $(5) million and $(16) million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(B)
Net of tax (expense) benefit of $68 million, $68 million and $(65) million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The 2017 year-over-year increase in our Net Income was driven primarily by:
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non-cash net income benefits related to new tax legislation (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 20. Income Taxes) at Power and Energy Holdings,
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higher transmission revenues,
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higher net NDT gains in 2017, and
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lower charges related to investments in certain leveraged leases at Energy Holdings (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 8. Financing Receivables).
These increases were partially offset by:
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higher charges related to the early retirement of two coal/gas generation units at Power (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements), and
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lower volumes of energy sold at lower average realized sales prices under the BGS contracts and in the PJM and New England regions.
The 2016 year-over-year decrease in our Net Income was driven primarily by:
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charges related to the early retirement of two coal/gas generation units at Power (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements),
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MTM losses in 2016 as compared to MTM gains in 2015,
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lower volumes of energy sold at lower average realized sales prices,
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lower capacity and operating reserve revenues in PJM,
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higher 2016 congestion costs in PJM due primarily to realized gains on financial transmission rights (FTR) in PJM in the prior year due to extremely cold weather,
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lower volumes of gas sold at lower average prices under the BGSS contract,
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insurance recoveries received primarily by Power in 2015 related to Superstorm Sandy, and
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an impairment related to investments in certain leveraged leases at Energy Holdings (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 8. Financing Receivables).
These decreases were partially offset by:
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lower generation costs driven by lower fuel costs, particularly for natural gas, and reduced generation output at Power,
•higher costs incurred at Power for planned outages in 2015,
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higher transmission revenues, and
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higher management fee revenues at PSEG LI pursuant to the OSA.
PSEG
Our results of operations are primarily comprised of the results of operations of our principal operating subsidiaries, PSE&G and Power, excluding charges related to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation. For additional information on intercompany transactions, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 24. Related-Party Transactions.
The 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounts in the preceding table for Operating Revenues and O&M costs each include $438 million, $410 million and $375 million, respectively, for Servco. These amounts represent the O&M pass-through costs for the Long Island operations, the full reimbursement of which is reflected in Operating Revenues. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 4. Variable Interest Entity for further explanation. The Income Tax Benefit in 2017 includes the non-cash benefit resulting from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities required due to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017. The following discussions for PSE&G and Power provide a detailed explanation of their respective variances.
PSE&G
Year Ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016
Operating Revenues increased $13 million due to changes in delivery, clause, commodity and other operating revenues.
Delivery Revenues increased $166 million due primarily to an increase in transmission revenues.
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Transmission revenues were $152 million higher due to higher revenue requirements calculated through our transmission formula rate, primarily to recover required investments.
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Gas distribution revenues increased $30 million due to a $16 million increase due to Energy Strong, $10 million from inclusion of the GSMP in base rates, $4 million in higher collections of GPRC and an increase of $2 million due to higher sales volumes. These increases were partially offset by lower Weather Normalization Clause (WNC) revenues of $2 million.
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Electric distribution revenues decreased $16 million due primarily to a $28 million decrease in sales volume and $14 million in lower collections of GPRC, partially offset by a $26 million increase in Energy Strong revenues.
Clause Revenues increased $47 million due to the absence of the return in 2016 to customers of overcollections of Securitization Transition Charge (STC) revenues of $59 million and higher Margin Adjustment Clause (MAC) revenues of $4 million. These increases were partially offset by lower Societal Benefit Charges (SBC) of $17 million. The changes in STC, MAC and SBC amounts were entirely offset by the amortization of related costs (Regulatory Assets) in O&M, D&A and Interest Expense. PSE&G does not earn margin on STC, SBC, Solar Pilot Recovery Charges (SPRC) or MAC collections.
Commodity Revenues decreased $204 million due to lower Electric revenues partially offset by higher Gas revenues. This decrease is entirely offset with decreased Energy Costs. PSE&G earns no margin on the provision of BGS and BGSS to retail customers.
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Electric revenues decreased $274 million due to $199 million in lower BGS revenues reflecting $109 million from lower sales volumes and $90 million from lower prices, $61 million in lower collections of Non-Utility Generation Charges (NGC) due primarily to lower prices and $14 million in lower revenues from the decreased sales volume of Non-Utility Generation (NUG) energy.
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Gas revenues increased $70 million due to higher BGSS prices of $68 million and $2 million from higher sales volumes.
Operating Expenses
Energy Costs decreased $204 million. This is entirely offset by Commodity Revenues.
Operation and Maintenance decreased $41 million due to
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a $28 million net reduction related to various clause mechanisms and GPRC expenditures,
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a $15 million decrease in appliance service costs, and
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a $7 million net decrease in pension and OPEB expenses, net of amounts capitalized,
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partially offset by a $9 million net increase in other operating expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization increased $120 million due primarily to a $61 million net increase in amortization of Regulatory Assets, including the absence of the STC liability that ended in 2016, and an increase in depreciation of $59 million due to additional plant placed into service in 2017.
Other Income (Deductions) increased $8 million due primarily to a $7 million increase in Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC).
Interest Expense increased $14 million primarily due to
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$11 million due to net long-term debt issuances in 2016 and $9 million due to net long-term debt issuances in 2017, partially offset by
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a decrease of $6 million due to clause-related interest for BGSS in 2016.
Income Tax Expense increased $48 million due primarily to higher pre-tax income.
Year Ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015
Operating Revenues decreased $415 million due to changes in delivery, clause, commodity and other operating revenues.
Delivery Revenues increased $191 million due primarily to an increase in transmission revenues.
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Transmission revenues were $223 million higher due to higher revenue requirements calculated through our transmission formula rate, primarily to recover required investments.
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Electric distribution revenues decreased $27 million due primarily to $47 million in lower collections of GPRC, partially offset by an $18 million increase in Energy Strong revenues.
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Gas distribution revenues decreased $5 million due to a decrease of $43 million due to lower sales volumes and $7 million in lower collections of GPRC. These decreases were partially offset by higher WNC revenues of $25 million due to warmer weather in 2016 compared to 2015 and $20 million due to the inclusion of Energy Strong in base rates.
Clause Revenues decreased $445 million due to lower STC revenues of $419 million, lower SBC of $33 million and lower SPRC of $8 million. These decreases were partially offset by higher MAC revenues of $15 million. The changes in STC, SBC, SPRC and MAC amounts were entirely offset by changes in the amortization of related costs (Regulatory Assets) in O&M, D&A and Interest Expense. PSE&G does not earn margin on STC, SBC, SPRC or MAC collections.
Commodity Revenues decreased $155 million due to lower Electric and Gas revenues. This is entirely offset with decreased Energy Costs. PSE&G earns no margin on the provision of BGS and BGSS to retail customers.
•
Electric revenues decreased $136 million due to $73 million in lower collections of NGC due primarily to lower prices, $42 million in lower revenues from the sale of NUG energy and $21 million in lower prices BGS revenues primarily due to lower sales volumes.
•
Gas revenues decreased $19 million due to $80 million from lower sales volumes, partially offset by higher BGSS prices of $61 million.
Operating Expenses
Energy Costs decreased $155 million. This is entirely offset by Commodity Revenues.
Operation and Maintenance decreased $85 million due to
•
a $98 million net reduction related to various clause mechanisms and GPRC, and
•
a $13 million decrease in pension and OPEB expenses, net of amounts capitalized,
•
partially offset by $10 million of insurance recovery proceeds in 2015,
•
a $10 million increase in vegetation management costs, and
•
a $6 million net increase due primarily to T&D corrective maintenance and appliance service costs.
Depreciation and Amortization decreased $327 million due primarily to a $396 million net decrease in amortization of Regulatory Assets, partially offset by an increase in depreciation of $65 million due to additional plant in service in 2016.
Interest Expense increased $9 million due to increases of
•
$14 million due to net debt issuances in 2015, and
•
$13 million due to net debt issuances in 2016,
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partially offset by a decrease of $11 million due to the redemption of securitization debt in 2015, and
•
$7 million of higher interest related to BGSS in 2015.
Income Tax Expense increased $45 million due primarily to higher pre-tax income partially offset by changes in the reserve for uncertain tax positions and flow through items.
Power
Year Ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016
Operating Revenues decreased $93 million due to changes in generation, gas supply and other operating revenues.
Generation Revenues decreased $204 million due primarily to
•
a decrease of $126 million in energy sales in the PJM and New England (NE) regions due primarily to lower average realized prices,
•
a decrease of $100 million in electricity sold under our BGS contracts due primarily to lower volumes coupled with lower prices,
•
a decrease of $24 million in revenue expected to be returned to ratepayers associated with excess federal income tax previously collected by Power’s subsidiary, PSEG New Haven LLC, due to the change in federal tax rates effective January 1, 2018,
•
a decrease of $18 million in operating reserves in the PJM region,
•
a charge of $10 million due to an increase in the FERC accrual related to the PJM bidding matter,
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a decrease of $7 million due to higher MTM losses in 2017 as compared to 2016. Of this amount, $120 million was due to increased forward prices, partially offset by a decrease of $113 million due to lower gains on positions reclassified to realized upon settlement in 2017 as compared to 2016,
•
partially offset by a net increase of $53 million due primarily to higher volumes of electricity sold under wholesale load contracts in the PJM and NE regions,
•
a net increase of $18 million in capacity revenues in the PJM and NE regions due to increases in cleared capacity and capacity auction prices, and
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an increase of $11 million due to higher sales related to new solar projects.
Gas Supply Revenues increased $110 million due primarily to
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an increase of $67 million in sales under the BGSS contract, of which $40 million was due to higher average sales prices coupled with a $27 million increase in sales volumes due to periods of colder weather in the heating season,
•
a net increase of $24 million due to higher MTM gains in 2017 as compared to 2016, and
•
an increase of $19 million related to sales to third parties, of which $48 million was due to higher average sales prices, partially offset by $29 million of lower volumes sold.
Operating Expenses
Energy Costs represent the cost of generation, which includes fuel costs for generation as well as purchased energy in the market, and gas purchases to meet Power’s obligation under its BGSS contract with PSE&G. Energy Costs decreased $3 million due to
Generation costs decreased $69 million due primarily to
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a net decrease of $83 million primarily due to lower congestion costs in PJM due to lower rates coupled with less volumes, partially offset by higher transmission charges due to higher rates,
•
a net decrease of $50 million due to charges associated with the announced early retirement of the Mercer and Hudson units in 2016, primarily related to lower coal inventory write-downs in 2017, partially offset by additional retirement costs incurred in 2017,
•
partially offset by higher fuel costs of $31 million reflecting higher average realized prices for natural gas coupled with the utilization of higher volumes of coal, partially offset by the utilization of lower volumes of gas,
•
an increase of $17 million due to MTM losses in 2017 as compared to MTM gains in 2016, and
•
a net increase of $16 million primarily due to an increase in the volume of energy purchases in the NE region to serve load obligations.
Gas costs increased $66 million due to
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an increase of $50 million related to sales under the BGSS contract, of which $31 million was due to higher average gas costs, coupled with a $19 million increase in volumes sold due to periods of colder weather in the heating season, and
•
an increase of $16 million related to sales to third parties, of which $44 million was due to higher average gas costs, partially offset by a $28 million decrease in volumes sold.
Operation and Maintenance decreased $105 million due to
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a $72 million decrease at our fossil plants, due primarily to the retirement of the Hudson and Mercer units and higher planned outage costs in 2016,
•
a $35 million net decrease related to our nuclear plants due primarily to lower labor-related expenses and outage costs,
•
an $8 million net decrease due to lower pension and OPEB costs,
•
partially offset by $5 million of costs related to new solar plants placed into service in 2017.
Depreciation and Amortization increased $387 million due primarily to
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$346 million of higher depreciation for Hudson and Mercer, primarily due to the accelerated expense related to the early retirement of those units,
•
a $15 million increase due to the accelerated retirement date for the Bridgeport Harbor unit 3,
•
an $11 million increase due primarily to a higher nuclear asset base, and
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$11 million of higher depreciation due to new solar projects.
Other Income (Deductions) increased $112 million due primarily to higher net realized gains from the NDT Fund in 2017.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments decreased $16 million due to lower impairments of equity securities in the NDT Fund in 2017.
Interest Expense decreased $34 million due primarily to
•
a $24 million decrease due to higher interest capitalized for the construction of three new fossil stations: BH5, Sewaren 7 and Keys, and
•
a net $7 million decrease due to debt maturities in September 2016, partially offset by a debt issuance in June 2016.
Income Tax Expense decreased $668 million due primarily to the one-time benefit recorded as a result of the remeasurement of deferred tax balances required due to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017.
Year Ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015
Operating Revenues decreased $905 million due to changes in generation, gas supply and other operating revenues.
Generation Revenues decreased $714 million due primarily to
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a decrease of $317 million due to MTM losses in 2016 as compared to MTM gains in 2015. Of this amount, $199 million was due to changes in forward power prices resulting in lower MTM gains in 2016 compared to 2015. Also contributing to the decrease was $118 million of higher gains on positions reclassified to realized upon settlement in 2016 compared to 2015,
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a decrease of $298 million in energy sales volumes in the PJM, NE and NY regions due primarily to milder weather in 2016 and lower average realized prices,
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a decrease of $80 million in capacity revenue primarily in the PJM region due to the retirement of older peaking units in June 2015, and
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a decrease of $49 million due to lower operating reserve revenues in the PJM region due to less congestion and lower prices,
•
partially offset by a net increase of $19 million due primarily to higher volumes of electricity sold under wholesale load contract in the PJM and NE regions, partially offset by lower average prices, and
•
a net increase of $8 million due to new solar projects beginning commercial operations.
Gas Supply Revenues decreased $191 million due primarily to
•
a decrease of $183 million in sales under the BGSS contract due primarily to lower average sales prices and a decrease in sales volumes due to warmer average temperatures in the 2016 heating season, and
•
a decrease of $9 million due to MTM losses in 2016 due to changes in forward prices.
Operating Expenses
Energy Costs represent the cost of generation, which includes fuel costs for generation as well as purchased energy in the market, and gas purchases to meet Power’s obligation under its BGSS contract with PSE&G. Energy Costs decreased $164 million due to
Generation costs decreased $95 million due primarily to
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lower fuel costs of $288 million reflecting lower average realized prices for natural gas and the utilization of lower volumes of fuel,
•
partially offset by a net increase of $143 million primarily due to realized gains on FTRs in PJM in 2015 due to extremely cold weather, and
•
a $62 million charge associated with the announced early retirement of the Mercer and Hudson units, primarily related to a coal inventory write-down.
Gas costs decreased $69 million due to
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a decrease of $101 million related to sales under the BGSS contract due primarily to lower average gas costs and a decrease in volumes sold due to warmer average temperatures during the 2016 winter heating season,
•
partially offset by an increase of $32 million related to sales to third parties due primarily to higher average gas costs and an increase in volumes sold.
Operation and Maintenance increased $86 million due to
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$145 million of insurance recoveries received in 2015 related to Superstorm Sandy, and
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$53 million of charges related to the early retirement of the Hudson and Mercer units,
•
partially offset by a net decrease of $73 million related to our fossil plants, largely due to higher costs incurred in 2015 for our planned major outages at the Bethlehem Energy Center and Bergen generating plants,
•
a net decrease of $31 million related to our nuclear plants due primarily to lower planned outage costs at our 100%-owned Hope Creek plant and our 57%-owned Salem Unit 1 plant, and
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an $8 million decrease due to lower pension and OPEB costs.
Depreciation and Amortization increased $590 million due primarily to
•
$555 million of accelerated depreciation due to the early retirement of the Hudson and Mercer units,
•
a $24 million increase due primarily to a higher nuclear asset base, and
•
$5 million of higher depreciation due to new solar projects
Other Income (Deductions) decreased $52 million due primarily to $28 million of insurance recoveries received in 2015 related to Superstorm Sandy and $38 million of lower net realized gains from the NDT Fund in 2016, partially offset by $10 million of lower purchased tax credits in 2016.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments decreased $25 million due to lower impairments of equity securities in the NDT Fund in 2016.
Interest Expense decreased $37 million due to
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$27 million of interest capitalized for the construction of three new fossil stations: Bridgeport Harbor 5, Sewaren 7 and Keys Energy Center, and
•
a $15 million decrease due to the maturity of 5.50% of Senior Notes in December 2015,
•
partially offset by an increase of $5 million due to net debt issuances in 2016.
Income Tax Expense decreased $572 million in 2016 due primarily to a pre-tax loss in 2016 as compared to pre-tax income in 2015.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following discussion of our liquidity and capital resources is on a consolidated basis, noting the uses and contributions, where material, of our two direct major operating subsidiaries.
Financing Methodology
We expect our capital requirements to be met through internally generated cash flows and external financings, consisting of short-term debt for working capital needs and long-term debt for capital investments.
PSE&G’s sources of external liquidity include a $600 million multi-year revolving credit facility. PSE&G uses internally generated cash flow and its commercial paper program to meet seasonal, intra-month and temporary working capital needs. PSE&G does not engage in any intercompany borrowing or lending arrangements. PSE&G maintains back-up facilities in an amount sufficient to cover the commercial paper and letters of credit outstanding. PSE&G’s dividend payments to/capital contributions from PSEG are consistent with its capital structure objectives which have been established to maintain investment grade credit ratings. PSE&G’s long-term financing plan is designed to replace maturities, fund a portion of its capital program and manage short-term debt balances. Generally, PSE&G uses either secured medium-term notes or first mortgage bonds to raise long-term capital.
PSEG, Power, Energy Holdings, PSEG LI and Services participate in a corporate money pool, an aggregation of daily cash balances designed to efficiently manage their respective short-term liquidity needs. PSEG LI’s subsidiary, Long Island Electric Utility Servco, LLC (Servco), does not participate in the corporate money pool. Servco’s short-term liquidity needs are met through an account funded and owned by LIPA.
PSEG’s sources of external liquidity may include the issuance of long-term debt securities and the incurrence of additional indebtedness under credit facilities. Our current sources of external liquidity include multi-year revolving credit facilities totaling $1.5 billion. These facilities are available to back-stop PSEG’s commercial paper program, issue letters of credit and for general corporate purposes. These facilities may also be used to provide support to PSEG’s subsidiaries. PSEG’s credit facilities and the commercial paper program are available to support PSEG working capital needs or to temporarily fund growth opportunities in advance of obtaining permanent financing. PSEG also has a $700 million term loan credit agreement that is scheduled to expire in June 2019. From time to time, PSEG may make equity contributions or provide credit support to its subsidiaries.
Power’s sources of external liquidity include $2.1 billion of multi-year revolving credit facilities. Additionally, from time to time, Power maintains bilateral credit agreements designed to enhance its liquidity position. Credit capacity is primarily used to provide collateral in support of Power’s forward energy sale and forward fuel purchase contracts as the market prices for energy and fuel fluctuate, and to meet potential collateral postings in the event that Power is downgraded to below investment grade by S&P or Moody’s. Power’s dividend payments to PSEG are also designed to be consistent with its capital structure objectives
which have been established to maintain investment grade credit ratings and provide sufficient financial flexibility. Generally, Power issues senior unsecured debt to raise long-term capital.
Operating Cash Flows
We expect our operating cash flows combined with cash on hand and financing activities to be sufficient to fund capital expenditures and shareholder dividend payments.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, our operating cash flow decreased by $50 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our operating cash flow decreased by $608 million. The net changes were primarily due to net tax payments at PSEG and its other subsidiaries in 2017 offset by net changes from our subsidiaries as discussed below.
PSE&G
PSE&G’s operating cash flow decreased $55 million from $1,894 million to $1,839 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to 2016, due primarily to lower tax refunds and a decrease of $50 million related to a change in regulatory deferrals. These amounts were partially offset by higher earnings and $30 million in decreased vendor payments.
PSE&G’s operating cash flow decreased $231 million from $2,125 million to $1,894 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to 2015, due primarily to a decrease from lower collections for securitization debt principal repayments which were $259 million in 2015, a decrease of $249 million in cash receipts from customers due to lower sales driven by warmer winter weather in 2016 compared to 2015, a decrease of $90 million related to a change in regulatory deferrals, primarily driven by net returns to customers in 2016 related to 2015 overcollections, partially offset by higher bill credits and $74 million in increased vendor payments. These amounts were partially offset by higher earnings and higher tax refunds in 2016.
Power
Power’s operating cash flow increased $71 million from $1,255 million to $1,326 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to 2016, primarily resulting from a decrease of $61 million in payments to counterparties, a $26 million increase from higher net collections of counterparty receivables, and higher earnings. These amounts were partially offset by higher tax payments and an increase in margin deposit requirements of $14 million.
Power’s operating cash flow decreased $451 million from $1,706 million to $1,255 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to 2015, primarily resulting from lower earnings, an increase in margin deposit requirements of $198 million, and a $134 million decrease from net collection of counterparty receivables, partially offset by a reduction in tax payments.
Short-Term Liquidity
We continually monitor our liquidity and seek to add capacity as needed to meet our liquidity requirements. Each of our credit facilities is restricted as to availability and use to the specific companies as listed below; however, if necessary, the PSEG facilities can also be used to support our subsidiaries’ liquidity needs. Our total credit facilities and available liquidity as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:
As of December 31, 2017, our credit facility capacity was in excess of our projected maximum liquidity requirements over our 12-month planning horizon. Our maximum liquidity requirements are based on stress scenarios that incorporate changes in commodity prices and the potential impact of Power losing its investment grade credit rating from S&P or Moody’s, which would represent a three level downgrade from its current S&P or Moody’s ratings. In the event of a deterioration of Power’s credit rating certain of Power’s agreements allow the counterparty to demand further performance assurance. The potential additional collateral that we would be required to post under these agreements if Power were to lose its investment grade credit rating was approximately $848 million and $783 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The early retirement of Power’s Hudson and Mercer coal/gas generation units did not have a material impact on Power’s debt covenant ratios or its ability to obtain credit facilities. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 3. Early Plant Retirements.
For additional information, see Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 14. Debt and Credit Facilities.
Long-Term Debt Financing
PSE&G has $400 million of 5.30% Medium Term Notes maturing in May 2018 and $350 million of 2.30% Medium Term Notes maturing in September 2018.
Power has $250 million of 2.45% Senior Notes maturing in November 2018.
For a discussion of our long-term debt transactions during 2017 and into 2018, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 14. Debt and Credit Facilities.
Debt Covenants
Our credit agreements contain maximum debt to equity ratios and other restrictive covenants and conditions to borrowing. We are currently in compliance with all of our debt covenants. Continued compliance with applicable financial covenants will depend upon our future financial position, level of earnings and cash flows, as to which no assurances can be given.
In addition, under its First and Refunding Mortgage (Mortgage), PSE&G may issue new First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds against previous additions and improvements, provided that its ratio of earnings to fixed charges calculated in accordance with its Mortgage is at least 2 to 1, and/or against retired Mortgage Bonds. As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G’s Mortgage coverage ratio was 5.2 to 1 and the Mortgage would permit up to approximately $6.9 billion aggregate principal amount of new Mortgage Bonds to be issued against additions and improvements to its property.
Default Provisions
Our bank credit agreements and indentures contain various, customary default provisions that could result in the potential acceleration of indebtedness under the defaulting company’s agreement.
In particular, PSEG’s bank credit agreements contain provisions under which certain events, including an acceleration of material indebtedness under PSE&G’s and Power’s respective financing agreements, a failure by PSE&G or Power to satisfy certain final judgments and certain bankruptcy events by PSE&G or Power, that would constitute an event of default under the PSEG bank credit agreements. Under the PSEG bank credit agreements, it would also be an event of default if either PSE&G or Power ceases to be wholly owned by PSEG. The PSE&G and Power bank credit agreements include similar default provisions; however, such provisions only relate to the respective borrower under such agreement and its subsidiaries and do not contain cross default provisions to each other. The PSE&G and Power bank credit agreements do not include cross default provisions relating to PSEG.
There are no cross acceleration provisions in PSEG’s or PSE&G’s indentures. However, PSEG’s existing notes include a cross acceleration provision that may be triggered upon the acceleration of more than $75 million of indebtedness incurred by PSEG. Such provision does not extend to an acceleration of indebtedness by any of PSEG’s subsidiaries. Power’s indenture includes a cross acceleration provision similar to that described above for PSEG’s existing notes except that such provision may be triggered upon the acceleration of more than $50 million of indebtedness incurred by Power or any of its subsidiaries. Such provision does not cross accelerate to PSEG, any of PSEG’s subsidiaries (other than Power and its subsidiaries), PSE&G or any of PSE&G’s subsidiaries.
Ratings Triggers
Our debt indentures and credit agreements do not contain any material ‘ratings triggers’ that would cause an acceleration of the required interest and principal payments in the event of a ratings downgrade. However, in the event of a downgrade, any one or more of the affected companies may be subject to increased interest costs on certain bank debt and certain collateral requirements. In the event that we are not able to affirm representations and warranties on credit agreements, lenders would not be required to make loans.
In accordance with BPU requirements under the BGS contracts, PSE&G is required to maintain an investment grade credit rating. If PSE&G were to lose its investment grade rating, it would be required to file a plan to assure continued payment for the BGS requirements of its customers.
Fluctuations in commodity prices or a deterioration of Power’s credit rating to below investment grade could increase Power’s required margin postings under various agreements entered into in the normal course of business. Power believes it has sufficient liquidity to meet the required posting of collateral which would likely result from a credit rating downgrade to below investment grade by S&P or Moody’s at today’s market prices.
Common Stock Dividends
On February 20, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $0.45 per share of common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2018. This reflects an indicative annual dividend rate of $1.80 per share. We expect to continue to pay cash dividends on our common stock; however, the declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements of our businesses, alternate investment opportunities, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. For additional information related to cash dividends on our common stock, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note16. Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Dividends.
Credit Ratings
If the rating agencies lower or withdraw our credit ratings, such revisions may adversely affect the market price of our securities and serve to materially increase our cost of capital and limit access to capital. Credit Ratings shown are for securities that we typically issue. Outlooks are shown for Corporate Credit Ratings (S&P) and Issuer Credit Ratings (Moody’s) and can be Stable, Negative, or Positive. There is no assurance that the ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be revised by the rating agencies, if, in their respective judgments, circumstances warrant. Each rating given by an agency should be evaluated independently of the other agencies’ ratings. The ratings should not be construed as an indication to buy, hold or sell any security.
In April 2017, S&P published updated research and affirmed the ratings and outlooks on PSEG and PSE&G. In June 2017, S&P published updated research on Power and the rating and outlook remained unchanged. In July 2017, Moody’s upgraded PSEG’s senior unsecured rating to Baa1 from Baa2 and revised its outlook to Stable from Positive. Also in July, Moody’s affirmed the ratings at PSE&G and Power.
(A)
Moody’s ratings range from Aaa (highest) to C (lowest) for long-term securities and P1 (highest) to NP (lowest) for short-term securities.
(B)
S&P ratings range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest) for long-term securities and A1 (highest) to D (lowest) for short-term securities.
Other Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31, 2017, we had Other Comprehensive Income of $34 million on a consolidated basis. Other Comprehensive Income was due primarily to a $44 million increase in net unrealized gains related to Available-for-Sale Securities, partially offset by a decrease of $8 million in our consolidated liability for pension and postretirement benefits and $2 million of unrealized losses on derivative contracts accounted for as hedges. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 21. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax for additional information.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
We expect that all of our capital requirements over the next three years will come from a combination of internally generated funds and external debt financing. Projected capital construction and investment expenditures, excluding nuclear fuel purchases, for the next three years are presented in the table below. These projections include Allowance for Funds Used During Construction and Interest Capitalized During Construction for PSE&G and Power, respectively. These amounts are subject to change, based on various factors. Amounts shown below for Energy Strong, GSMP and Solar/Energy Efficiency programs are for currently approved programs. We intend to continue to invest in infrastructure modernization and will seek to extend these and related programs as appropriate. We will also continue to approach potential growth investments for Power opportunistically, seeking projects that will provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders.
PSE&G
PSE&G’s projections for future capital expenditures include material additions and replacements to its transmission and distribution systems to meet expected growth and to manage reliability. As project scope and cost estimates develop, PSE&G will modify its current projections to include these required investments. PSE&G’s projected expenditures for the various items reported above are primarily comprised of the following:
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Transmission-investments focused on reliability improvements and replacement of aging infrastructure.
•
Distribution-investments for new business, reliability improvements, and replacement of equipment that has reached the end of its useful life.
•
Energy Strong-Electric and Gas Distribution reliability investment program focused on system hardening and resiliency.
•
Gas System Modernization Program-Gas Distribution investment program to replace aging infrastructure.
•
Solar/Energy Efficiency-investments associated with grid-connected solar, solar loan programs, and customer energy efficiency programs.
In November 2017, the BPU issued an order approving PSE&G’s net investment of $100 million to rebuild New Jersey Transit’s Mason electric distribution substation and related facilities in Kearny, New Jersey. This project is expected to be completed in December 2021.
In July 2017, PSE&G filed a petition with the BPU requesting approval of the $2.7 billion next phase of the Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP II) and associated cost recovery mechanism. The GSMP II program will enable PSE&G to continue to accelerate the replacement of its aging cast-iron and unprotected steel gas pipes. This matter is currently pending before the BPU and is not included in the PSE&G’s projected capital expenditures above.
In 2017, PSE&G made $2,919 million of capital expenditures, primarily for transmission and distribution system reliability. This does not include expenditures for cost of removal, net of salvage, of $107 million, which are included in operating cash flows.
Power
Power’s projected expenditures for the various items listed above are primarily comprised of the following:
•
Baseline-investments to replace major parts and enhance operational performance.
•
Fossil Growth Opportunities-investments associated with new construction, including Keys, Sewaren 7 and BH5, and with upgrades to increase efficiency and output at combined cycle plants.
•
Other-includes investments made in response to environmental, regulatory and legal mandates and other capital projects.
In 2017, Power made $1,040 million of capital expenditures, excluding $191 million for nuclear fuel, primarily related to various projects at Fossil, Solar and Nuclear.
Disclosures about Contractual Obligations
The following table reflects our contractual cash obligations in the respective periods in which they are due. In addition, the table summarizes anticipated debt maturities for the years shown. For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 14. Debt and Credit Facilities.
The table below does not reflect any anticipated cash payments for pension obligations due to uncertain timing of payments or liabilities for uncertain tax positions since we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of liability payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement of tax positions. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 20. Income Taxes for additional information.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
PSEG and Power issue guarantees, primarily in conjunction with certain of Power’s energy contracts. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for further discussion.
Through Energy Holdings, we have investments in leveraged leases that are accounted for in accordance with GAAP Accounting for Leases. Leveraged lease investments generally involve three parties: an owner/lessor, a creditor and a lessee. In a typical leveraged lease arrangement, the lessor purchases an asset to be leased. The purchase price is typically financed 80% with debt provided by the creditor and the balance comes from equity funds provided by the lessor. The creditor provides long-term financing to the transaction secured by the property subject to the lease. Such long-term financing is non-recourse to the lessor and is not presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the event of default, the leased asset, and in some cases the lessee, secures the loan. As a lessor, Energy Holdings has ownership rights to the property and rents the property to the lessees for use in their business operations. For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 7. Long-Term Investments and Note 8. Financing Receivables.
In the event that collection of the minimum lease payments to be received by Energy Holdings is no longer reasonably assured, Energy Holdings may deem that a lessee has a high probability of defaulting on the lease obligation, and would consider the need to record an impairment of its investment. In the event the lease is ultimately rejected by the lessee in a Bankruptcy Court proceeding, the fair value of the underlying asset and the associated debt would be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets instead of the net equity investment in the lease.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Under GAAP, many accounting standards require the use of estimates, variable inputs and assumptions (collectively referred to as estimates) that are subjective in nature. Because of this, differences between the actual measure realized versus the estimate can have a material impact on results of operations, financial position and cash flows. We have determined that the following estimates are considered critical to the application of rules that relate to the respective businesses.
Accounting for Pensions
PSEG sponsors qualified and nonqualified pension plans covering PSEG’s and its participating affiliates’ current and former employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. The market-related value of plan assets held for the qualified pension plan is equal to the fair value of these assets as of year-end. The plan assets are comprised of investments in both debt and equity securities which are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. We calculate pension costs using various economic and demographic assumptions.
Assumptions and Approach Used: Economic assumptions include the discount rate and the long-term rate of return on trust assets. Demographic assumptions include projections of future mortality rates, pay increases and retirement patterns.
The discount rate used to calculate pension obligations is determined as of December 31 each year, our measurement date. The discount rate is determined by developing a spot rate curve based on the yield to maturity of a universe of high quality corporate bonds with similar maturities to the plan obligations. The spot rates are used to discount the estimated plan distributions. The discount rate is the single equivalent rate that produces the same result as the full spot rate curve.
Our expected rate of return on plan assets reflects current asset allocations, historical long-term investment performance and an estimate of future long-term returns by asset class, long-term inflation assumptions and a premium for active management.
Based on the above assumptions, we have estimated a net periodic pension credit in 2018 of approximately $(36) million, or $(87) million, net of amounts capitalized.
We utilize a corridor approach that reduces the volatility of reported pension expense/income. The corridor requires differences between actuarial assumptions and plan results be deferred and amortized as part of expense/income. This occurs only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the pension benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets as of each year-end. The excess would be amortized over the average remaining service period of the active employees, which is approximately thirteen years.
Effect if Different Assumptions Used: As part of the business planning process, we have modeled future costs assuming a 7.80% expected rate of return and a 3.73% discount rate for 2018. Actual future pension expense/income and funding levels
will depend on future investment performance, changes in discount rates, market conditions, funding levels relative to our projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation and various other factors related to the populations participating in the pension plans.
The following chart reflects the sensitivities associated with a change in certain assumptions. The effects of the assumption changes shown below solely reflect the impact of that specific assumption.
See

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
The risk inherent in our market-risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in commodity prices, equity security prices and interest rates as discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. It is our policy to use derivatives to manage risk consistent with business plans and prudent practices. We have a Risk Management
Committee comprised of executive officers who utilize a risk oversight function to ensure compliance with our corporate policies and risk management practices.
Additionally, we are exposed to counterparty credit losses in the event of non-performance or non-payment. We have a credit management process, which is used to assess, monitor and mitigate counterparty exposure. In the event of non-performance or non-payment by a major counterparty, there may be a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or net cash flows.
Commodity Contracts
The availability and price of energy-related commodities are subject to fluctuations from factors such as weather, environmental policies, changes in supply and demand, state and federal regulatory policies, market rules and other events. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, we enter into supply contracts and derivative contracts, including forwards, futures, swaps and options with approved counterparties. These contracts, in conjunction with physical sales and other services, help reduce risk and optimize the value of owned electric generation capacity.
Value-at-Risk (VaR) Models
VaR represents the potential losses, under normal market conditions, for instruments or portfolios due to changes in market factors, for a specified time period and confidence level. We estimate VaR across our commodity businesses.
MTM VaR consists of MTM derivatives that are economic hedges. The MTM VaR calculation does not include market risks associated with activities that are subject to accrual accounting, primarily our generating facilities and some load serving activities.
The VaR models used are variance/covariance models adjusted for the change of positions with 95% and 99.5% confidence levels and a one-day holding period for the MTM activities. The models assume no new positions throughout the holding periods; however, we actively manage our portfolio.
See

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by PSEG, PSE&G and Power. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. PSE&G and Power each make representations only as to itself and make no representations as to any other company.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated
Newark, New Jersey
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, the related notes and the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(B)(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
February 26, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1934.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Sole Stockholder of
Public Service Electric and Gas Company
Newark, New Jersey
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Public Service Electric and Gas Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, common stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(B)(b) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
February 26, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1934.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Sole Member of
PSEG Power LLC
Newark, New Jersey
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PSEG Power LLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, member’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, the related notes and the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(B)(c) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
February 26, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2000.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Millions, except per share data
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Millions
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Millions
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Millions
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Millions
See disclosures regarding Public Service Electric and Gas Company included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PSEG POWER LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER’S EQUITY
Millions
See disclosures regarding PSEG Power LLC included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is a holding company with a diversified business mix within the energy industry. Its operations are primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States and in other select markets. PSEG’s principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries are:
•
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)-which is a public utility engaged principally in the transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and natural gas in certain areas of New Jersey. PSE&G is subject to regulation by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE&G also invests in solar generation projects and energy efficiency and related programs in New Jersey, which are regulated by the BPU.
•
PSEG Power LLC (Power)-which is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions through competitive energy sales in well-developed energy markets primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States through its principal direct wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, Power owns and operates solar generation in various states. Power’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation by FERC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states in which they operate.
PSEG’s other direct wholly owned subsidiaries are: PSEG Long Island LLC (PSEG LI), which operates the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) transmission and distribution (T&D) system under an Operations Services Agreement (OSA); PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings), which primarily has investments in leveraged leases; and PSEG Services Corporation (Services), which provides certain management, administrative and general services to PSEG and its subsidiaries at cost.
Basis of Presentation
The respective financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to Annual Reports on Form 10-K and in accordance with accounting guidance generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
Each company consolidates those entities in which it has a controlling interest or is the primary beneficiary. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entity. Entities over which the companies exhibit significant influence, but do not have a controlling interest and/or are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. For investments in which significant influence does not exist and the investor is not the primary beneficiary, the cost method of accounting is applied. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
PSE&G and Power also have undivided interests in certain jointly-owned facilities, with each responsible for paying its respective ownership share of construction costs, fuel purchases and operating expenses. PSE&G and Power consolidate their portion of any revenues and expenses related to their respective jointly-owned facilities in the appropriate revenue and expense categories.
Accounting for the Effects of Regulation
In accordance with accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities, PSE&G’s financial statements reflect the economic effects of regulation. PSE&G defers the recognition of costs (a Regulatory Asset) or records the recognition of obligations (a Regulatory Liability) if it is probable that, through the rate-making process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Accordingly, PSE&G has deferred certain costs and recoveries, which are being amortized over various future periods. To the extent that collection of any such costs or payment of liabilities becomes no longer probable as a result of changes in regulation and/or competitive position, the associated Regulatory Asset or Liability is charged or credited to income. Management believes that PSE&G’s transmission and distribution businesses continue to meet the accounting requirements for rate-regulated entities. For additional information, see Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
Derivative Instruments
Each company uses derivative instruments to manage risk pursuant to its business plans and prudent practices.
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. Power is exposed to commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity, fossil fuels and other commodities.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fluctuations in market prices result from changes in supply and demand, fuel costs, market conditions, weather, state and federal regulatory policies, environmental policies, transmission availability and other factors. Power uses a variety of derivative and non-derivative instruments, such as financial options, futures, swaps, fuel purchases and forward purchases and sales of electricity, to manage the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and optimize the value of Power’s expected generation. Changes in the fair market value of the derivative contracts are recorded in earnings.
Determining whether a contract qualifies as a derivative requires that management exercise significant judgment, including assessing the contract’s market liquidity. PSEG has determined that contracts to purchase and sell certain products do not meet the definition of a derivative under the current authoritative guidance since they do not provide for net settlement, or the markets are not sufficiently liquid to conclude that physical forward contracts are readily convertible to cash.
Under current authoritative guidance, all derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value, except for derivatives that are designated as normal purchases and normal sales (NPNS). Further, derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting can be designated as fair value or cash flow hedges. For fair value hedges, changes in fair values for both the derivative and the underlying hedged exposure are recognized in earnings each period.
Certain offsetting derivative assets and liabilities are subject to a master netting or similar agreement. In general, the terms of the agreements provide that in the event of an early termination the counterparties have the right to offset amounts owed or owing under that and any other agreement with the same counterparty. Accordingly, these positions are offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Power and PSEG.
For cash flow hedges, the portion of the derivative gain or loss that is effective in offsetting the change in the hedged cash flows of the underlying exposure is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in current period earnings.
For derivative contracts that do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges or as NPNS, changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings. PSEG does not currently elect fair value or cash flow hedge accounting on its commodity derivative positions.
Contracts that qualify for, and are designated, as NPNS are accounted for upon settlement. Contracts which qualify for NPNS are contracts for which physical delivery is probable, they will not be financially settled, and the quantities under contract are expected to be used or sold in the normal course of business over a reasonable period of time.
For additional information regarding derivative financial instruments, see Note 16. Financial Risk Management Activities.
Revenue Recognition
PSE&G’s regulated electric and gas revenues are recorded primarily based on services rendered to customers. PSE&G records unbilled revenues for the estimated amount customers will be billed for services rendered from the time meters were last read to the end of the respective accounting period. The unbilled revenue is estimated each month based on usage per day, the number of unbilled days in the period, estimated seasonal loads based upon the time of year and the variance of actual degree-days and temperature-humidity-index hours of the unbilled period from expected norms.
Regulated revenues from the transmission of electricity are recognized as services are provided based on a FERC-approved annual formula rate mechanism. This mechanism provides for an annual filing of estimated revenue requirement with rates effective January 1 of each year. After completion of the annual period ending December 31, PSE&G files a true-up whereby it compares its actual revenue requirement to the original estimate to determine any over or under collection of revenue. PSE&G records the estimated financial statement impact of the difference between the actual and the filed revenue requirement as a refund or deferral for future recovery when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated in accordance with accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities.
The majority of Power’s revenues relate to bilateral contracts, which are accounted for on the accrual basis as the energy is delivered. Power’s revenue also includes changes in the value of energy derivative contracts that are not designated as NPNS. See Note 16. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion.
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM), the Independent System Operator-New England (ISO-NE) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) facilitate the dispatch of energy and energy-related products. Power generally reports electricity sales and purchases conducted with those individual ISOs on a net hourly basis in either Revenues or Energy Costs in its Consolidated Statement of Operations, the classification of which depends on the net hourly activity. Capacity revenue and expense is also reported net based on Power’s monthly net sale or purchase position in the individual ISOs.
PSEG LI is the primary beneficiary of Long Island Electric Utility Servco, LLC (Servco). For transactions in which Servco acts as principal, Servco records revenues and the related pass-through expenditures separately in Operating Revenues and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Expense, respectively. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entity for further information.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The majority of Energy Holdings' revenues relate to its investments in leveraged leases. Income on leveraged leases is recognized by a method which produces a constant rate of return on the outstanding net investment in the lease, net of the related deferred tax liability, in the years in which the net investment is positive. Any gains or losses incurred as a result of a lease termination are recorded as revenues as these events occur in the ordinary course of business of managing the investment portfolio.
Depreciation and Amortization
PSE&G calculates depreciation under the straight-line method based on estimated average remaining lives of the several classes of depreciable property. These estimates are reviewed on a periodic basis and necessary adjustments are made as approved by the BPU or FERC. The depreciation rate stated as a percentage of original cost of depreciable property was as follows:
Power calculates depreciation on generation-related assets under the straight-line method based on the assets’ estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives are:
•
general plant assets-3 years to 20 years
•
fossil production assets-30 years to 70 years
•
nuclear generation assets-approximately 60 years
•
pumped storage facilities-76 years
•
solar assets-25 years
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalized During Construction (IDC)
AFUDC represents the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance the construction of new utility assets at PSE&G. IDC represents the cost of debt used to finance construction at Power. The amount of AFUDC or IDC capitalized as Property, Plant and Equipment is included as a reduction of interest charges or other income for the equity portion. The amounts and average rates used to calculate AFUDC or IDC for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Income Taxes
PSEG and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and income taxes are allocated to PSEG’s subsidiaries based on the taxable income or loss of each subsidiary in accordance with a tax sharing agreement between PSEG and each of its affiliated subsidiaries. Allocations between PSEG and its subsidiaries are recorded through intercompany accounts. Investment tax credits deferred in prior years are being amortized over the useful lives of the related property.
Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach, a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion and a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more-likely-than-not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit will be recorded. Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold. See Note 20. Income Taxes for further discussion.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Leveraged Leases
Management evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in regulation, business climate or market conditions, including prolonged periods of adverse commodity and capacity prices or a current expectation that a long-lived asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, could potentially indicate an asset’s or asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. In such an event, an undiscounted cash flow analysis is performed to determine if an impairment exists. When a long-lived asset’s or asset group’s carrying amount exceeds the associated undiscounted estimated future cash flows, the asset/asset group is considered impaired to the extent that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. An impairment would result in a reduction of the value of the long-lived asset/asset group through a non-cash charge to earnings. See Note 3. Early Plant Retirements for more information.
For Power, cash flows for long-lived assets and asset groups are determined at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The cash flows from the generation units are generally evaluated at a regional portfolio level (PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE) along with cash flows generated from the customer supply and risk management activities, inclusive of cash flows from contracts, including those that are accounted for as derivatives and meet the NPNS scope exception. In certain cases, generation assets are evaluated on an individual basis where those assets are individually contracted on a long-term basis with a third party and operations are independent of other generation assets (typically Power’s solar plants and Kalaeloa).
Energy Holdings’ leveraged leases are comprised of Lease Receivables (net of non-recourse debt), the estimated residual value of leased assets, and unearned and deferred income. Residual values are the estimated values of the leased assets at the end of the respective lease per the original lease terms, net of any subsequent impairments. A review of the residual valuations, which are calculated by discounting the cash flows related to the leased assets after the lease term, is performed at least annually for each plant subject to lease using specific assumptions tailored to each plant. Those valuations are compared to the recorded residual values to determine if an impairment is warranted.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable-Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
PSE&G’s accounts receivable are reported in the balance sheet as gross outstanding amounts adjusted for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects PSE&G’s best estimates of losses on the accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on accounts receivable aging, historical experience, write-off forecasts and other currently available evidence.
Accounts receivable are charged off in the period in which the receivable is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable are recorded when it is known they will be received.
Materials and Supplies and Fuel
PSE&G’s and Power’s materials and supplies are carried at average cost and charged to inventory when purchased and expensed or capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment, as appropriate, when installed or used. Fuel inventory at Power is valued at the lower of average cost or market and includes stored natural gas, coal, fuel oil and propane used to generate power and to satisfy obligations under Power’s gas supply contracts with PSE&G. The costs of fuel, including initial transportation costs, are included in inventory when purchased and charged to Energy Costs when used or sold. The cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized within Property, Plant and Equipment and amortized to fuel expense using the units-of-production method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
PSE&G’s additions to and replacements of existing property, plant and equipment are capitalized at cost. The cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of minor items of property is charged to expense as incurred. At the time units of depreciable property are retired or otherwise disposed of, the original cost, adjusted for net salvage value, is charged to accumulated depreciation.
Power capitalizes costs, including those related to its jointly-owned facilities, which increase the capacity, improve or extend the life of an existing asset, represent a newly acquired or constructed asset or represent the replacement of a retired asset. The cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of minor items of property is charged to appropriate expense accounts as incurred. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination or if the costs improve existing assets’ environmental safety or efficiency. All other environmental expenditures are expensed as incurred. Power also capitalizes spare parts that meet specific criteria. Capitalized spares are depreciated over the remaining lives of their associated assets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Available-for-Sale Securities
These securities comprise the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) Fund, a master independent external trust account maintained to provide for the costs of decommissioning upon termination of operations of Power’s nuclear facilities and amounts that are deposited to fund a Rabbi Trust which was established to meet the obligations related to non-qualified pension plans and deferred compensation plans.
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in earnings and unrealized gains and losses on such securities are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Securities with unrealized losses that are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired are recorded in earnings. See Note 9. Available-for-Sale Securities for further discussion.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) Plans
The market-related value of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans is equal to the fair value of those assets as of year-end. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices and independent pricing services based upon the security type as reported by the trustee at the measurement date (December 31) for all plan assets.
PSEG recognizes a long-term receivable primarily related to future funding by LIPA of Servco’s recognized pension and OPEB liabilities. This receivable is presented separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG as a noncurrent asset because it is restricted.
Pursuant to the OSA, Servco records expense only to the extent of its contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees.
See Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) for further discussion.
Basis Adjustment
PSE&G and Power have recorded a Basis Adjustment in their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the generation assets that were transferred from PSE&G to Power in August 2000 at the price specified by the BPU. Because the transfer was between affiliates, the transaction was recorded at the net book value of the assets and liabilities rather than the transfer price. The difference between the total transfer price and the net book value of the generation-related assets and liabilities, $986 million, net of tax, was recorded as a Basis Adjustment on PSE&G’s and Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $986 million is an addition to PSE&G’s Common Stockholder’s Equity and a reduction of Power’s Member’s Equity. These amounts are eliminated on PSEG’s consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards
New Standards Issued and Adopted
Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business
This accounting standard was issued mainly to provide more consistency in how the definition of a business is applied to acquisitions or dispositions. The new guidance will generally reduce the number of transactions that will require treatment as a business combination. The definition of a business now includes consideration of whether substantially all the fair value of the gross assets acquired or disposed of is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this condition is met, the transaction would not qualify as a business.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; however, entities were able to adopt it for transactions that closed before the effective date but had not been reported in financial statements that had been issued or made available for issuance. PSEG adopted this standard in the third quarter 2017 with the acquisition of a solar project. This standard upon adoption had no impact on PSEG’s financial statements.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
This accounting standard clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition requirements; improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and provides improved disclosures.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The guidance provides a five-step model to be used for recognizing revenue for the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.
The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2018. PSEG will elect the full retrospective method of transition. Under this method, PSEG will restate its prior period financial statements to align with the 2018 presentation.
PSEG has evaluated existing contracts and revenue streams for potential changes under the new revenue recognition standard. Included in the scope of the new standard are PSE&G’s regulated revenue recorded under tariffs, including the sale of default supply of electric and gas commodity, and the distribution of electricity and gas to retail residential and commercial and industrial customers, and transmission revenues. Tariff revenues comprise substantially all of PSE&G’s revenue. PSEG expects no material change in revenue recognition of PSE&G’s regulated revenue recorded under tariffs. PSE&G’s revenue from contracts with customers will continue to be recorded as electricity or gas is delivered to the customer. Certain reclassifications of PSE&G’s revenue streams will affect Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses due to the application of this standard.
Also included in the scope of the new standard are Power’s electricity, gas and related product sales. Certain reclassifications of Power’s revenue streams will also affect Operating Revenues and Energy Costs due to the application of this standard.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power do not anticipate any material impact to net income as a result of adoption of this new standard.
The new standard will result in more detailed disclosures of revenue compared to current guidance and changes in presentation. PSEG will disaggregate its revenues by operating segment. PSE&G will further disaggregate its revenue by product line (i.e. electric distribution, gas distribution, and transmission). Power will further disaggregate its revenues by product line (i.e. electricity, gas). Electricity revenues will be further disaggregated by region (i.e. PJM, New York ISO and ISO New England). Gas revenues will be further disaggregated by third party sales and sales to affiliates. Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers will also be disclosed including PSE&G appliance service and repair and Power solar power revenues.
PSEG will elect the invoice practical expedient, where applicable, in recording its revenue. Under the practical expedient, PSEG has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of PSEG’s performance completed to date. PSEG may recognize revenue in the amount to which it has a right to invoice. As such under this practical expedient, there are no future performance obligations to disclose. Where PSEG has entered into fixed consideration contracts, it will disclose its remaining performance obligations under these agreements.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
This accounting standard will change how entities measure equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method. Under the new guidance, equity investments (other than those accounted for using the equity method) will be measured at fair value through Net Income instead of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Entities that have elected the fair value option for financial liabilities will present changes in fair value due to a change in their own credit risk through Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). For equity investments which do not have readily determinable fair values, the impairment assessment will be simplified by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairments. The new standard also changes certain disclosures.
The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. PSEG recorded a cumulative effect adjustment by reclassifying the unrealized gain related to equity investments of $342 million ($176 million, net of tax) from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings on January 1, 2018, and expects increased volatility in Net Income due to changes in fair value of its equity securities within the NDT and Rabbi Trust Funds.
Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
This accounting standard reduces the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the Statement of Cash Flows.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption was permitted. PSEG expects no changes in its presentation of its Statement of Cash Flows as a result of adopting this new standard. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using a retrospective transition method to each period presented.
Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash
This accounting standard requires entities to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents, either in a narrative or a tabular format. Amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents should be included in entities’ reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts in the Statement of Cash Flows.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption was permitted. PSEG adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. PSEG will
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continue the current balance sheet classification of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. PSEG will provide a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and include a description of these amounts.
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (OPEB)
This accounting standard was issued to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic OPEB cost.
Under the new guidance, entities are required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by their employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the Statement of Operations separately from the service cost component after Operating Income. Additionally, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization, when applicable.
The standard requires the amendments to be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other cost components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic OPEB cost in the Statement of Operations and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension and OPEB costs.
The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. PSEG adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018. Beginning January 1, 2018, PSEG and each of its subsidiaries began to classify the total net pension and OPEB non-service benefit costs in a separate line item in the Statement of Operations after Operating Income. PSEG will also recast those amounts for prior years in accordance with the new standard by using the practical expedient of using the previously disclosed non-service components of pension and OPEB costs. The service cost component of pension and OPEB costs will continue to be classified in O&M Expense, except for that portion capitalized, as appropriate, within Property, Plant and Equipment. As a result of adopting this new standard, PSE&G expects to reduce its charge to expense by approximately $55 million to $65 million in 2018.
Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting
This accounting standard provides clarity and reduces both diversity in practice and complexity when applying the stock compensation guidance to a change in the terms or conditions of a stock-based payment award. Specifically, the standard provides guidance as to which changes to the terms or conditions of a stock-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting.
The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, early adoption was permitted. This standard should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. PSEG adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018.
New Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
Leases
This accounting standard replaces existing lease accounting guidance and requires lessees to recognize all leases with a term greater than 12 months on the balance sheet using a right-of-use asset approach. At lease commencement, a lessee will recognize a lease asset and corresponding lease obligation. A lessee will classify its leases as either finance leases or operating leases based on whether control of the underlying assets has transferred to the lessee. A lessor will classify its leases as operating or direct financing leases, or as sales-type leases based on whether control of the underlying assets has transferred to the lessee. Both the lessee and lessor models require additional disclosure of key information. The standard requires lessees and lessors to apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. However, existing guidance related to leveraged leases will not change.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with retrospective application to previously issued financial statements for 2018 and 2017. Early application is permitted. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
This accounting standard’s amendments more closely align hedge accounting with the companies’ risk management activities in the financial statements. The amendments expand hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components by permitting contractually specified components to designate as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge involving the purchase or sale of non-financial assets or variable rate financial instruments. Additionally, the amendments ease the operational burden of applying hedge accounting by allowing more time to prepare hedge documentation, and allow effectiveness assessments to be performed on a qualitative basis after hedge inception.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The standard requires using a modified retrospective method upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
This accounting standard was issued to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the standard requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity.
The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for an entity in any interim or annual period. If an entity early adopts the standard in an interim period, any
adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity should apply this standard on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Additionally, in the period of adoption, an entity should provide disclosures about a change in accounting principle. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
This accounting standard would affect any entity that is required to apply the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification topic, “Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income,” and has items of other comprehensive income for which the related tax effects are presented in other comprehensive income as required by GAAP. Specifically, this standard would allow entities to record a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate. The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate.
The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for an entity in any interim or annual period for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance.
An entity would be able to choose to apply this standard retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the new tax legislation enacted in 2017 is recognized or apply the standard in the reporting period adopted. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact this standard, if adopted, could have on its consolidated financial statements.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
This accounting standard provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost. The new model requires entities to use an estimate of expected credit losses that will be recognized as an impairment allowance rather than a direct write-down of the amortized cost basis. The estimate of expected credit losses is to be based on past events, current conditions and supportable forecasts over a reasonable period. For purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, a similar model is to be used; however, the initial allowance will be added to the purchase price rather than reported as an allowance. Credit losses on available-for-sale securities should be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP; however, this standard requires those credit losses to be presented as an allowance, rather than a write-down. This new standard also requires additional disclosures of credit quality indicators for each class of financial asset disaggregated by year of origination.
The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; however, entities may adopt early beginning in the annual or interim periods after December 15, 2018. PSEG is currently analyzing the impact of this standard on its financial statements.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
This accounting standard requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable.
An entity should apply this standard on a prospective basis and will be required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. The new standard is effective for impairment tests for periods beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. PSEG is currently assessing the impact of this guidance upon its financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3. Early Plant Retirements
Fossil
In October 2016, Power determined that it would cease generation operations of the existing coal/gas units at the Hudson and Mercer generating stations on June 1, 2017. Both units were available to operate through May 31, 2017 and were subsequently retired from operation on June 1, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the retirements of both units were substantially complete.
In the latter half of 2016, PSEG and Power recognized pre-tax charges in Energy Costs and O&M of $62 million and $53 million, respectively, related to coal inventory adjustments, capacity penalties, materials and supplies inventory reserve adjustments for parts that cannot be used at other generating units, employee-related severance benefits costs and construction work in progress impairments, among other shut down items. In addition to these charges, Power recognized Depreciation and Amortization (D&A) during 2016 of $571 million due to the significant shortening of the expected economic useful lives of Hudson and Mercer.
As of June 1, 2017, Power recognized total D&A of $964 million for the Hudson and Mercer units to reflect the end of their economic useful lives in 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, Power recognized pre-tax charges in Energy Costs of $15 million, primarily for coal inventory lower of cost or market adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2017, Power also recognized pre-tax charges in O&M of $23 million, including shut down costs and an increase in the Asset Retirement Obligation due to settlements and changes in cash flow estimates, partially offset by changes in employee-related severance costs. Power is exploring various opportunities with these sites, including using the sites for alternative industrial activity or the disposition of one or both of the sites. If Power determines not to use the sites for alternative industrial activity, the early retirement of the units at such sites would trigger obligations under certain environmental regulations, including possible remediation. The amounts for any such environmental remediation are neither currently probable nor estimable but may be material.
As of December 31, 2016, Power had reduced the estimated useful life of Bridgeport Harbor Station unit 3 (BH3) from 2025 to the summer of 2021 as it was more likely than not it will retire the unit by this time.
PSEG and Power continue to monitor their other coal assets, including the Keystone and Conemaugh generating stations, to assess their economic viability through the end of their designated useful lives and their continued classification as held for use. The precise timing of a change in useful lives may be dependent upon events out of PSEG’s and Power’s control and may impact their ability to operate or maintain certain assets in the future. These generating stations may be impacted by factors such as environmental legislation, co-owner capital requirements and continued depressed wholesale power prices or capacity factors, among other things. Any early retirement or change in the held for use classification of our remaining coal units may have a material adverse impact on PSEG’s and Power’s future financial results.
Nuclear
Since 2013, several nuclear generating stations in the United States have closed or announced early retirement due to economic reasons, or have announced being at risk for early retirement. Most recently, in February 2018, Exelon, a co-owner of the Salem units, announced its intention to accelerate the closure of its Oyster Creek nuclear plant located in New Jersey, one year earlier than previously planned for economic reasons. These closures and retirements are generally due to the decline in market prices of energy, resulting from low natural gas prices driven by the growth of shale gas production since 2007, the continuing cost of regulatory compliance and enhanced security for nuclear facilities, both federal and state-level policies that provide financial incentives to construct renewable energy such as wind and solar and the failure to adequately compensate nuclear generating stations for the attributes they bring similar to renewable energy production. These trends have significantly reduced the revenues of nuclear generating stations while limiting their ability to reduce the unit cost of production. This may result in the electric generation industry experiencing a further shift from nuclear generation to natural gas-fired generation, creating less diversity of the generation fleet.
If any or all of the Salem and Hope Creek units were shut down, it would significantly alter New Jersey’s energy supply predominately by increasing New Jersey’s reliance on natural gas generation. Such a decrease in fuel diversity could also increase the market’s vulnerability to price fluctuations and power disruptions in times of high demand. The New Jersey Legislature is assessing legislation that would provide a safety net in order to prevent the loss of environmental attributes from nuclear generating stations. Power cannot predict whether the legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, whether our nuclear generating stations in New Jersey will be selected or whether the legislation will provide a sufficient safety net for the continued operation of nuclear generating stations in New Jersey.
In the ordinary course, management, and in the case of the Salem units the co-owner, each makes a number of decisions that impact the operation of our nuclear units beyond the current year, including whether and to what extent these units participate in RPM capacity auctions, commitments relating to refueling outages and significant capital expenditures, and decisions regarding our hedging arrangements. When considering whether to make these future commitments, management’s decisions will primarily be
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
influenced by the financial outlook of the units, including the progress, timing and continued outlook for enactment of proposed legislation in the state of New Jersey.
If market prices continue to be depressed and legislation is not enacted that adequately compensates nuclear generating stations for their attributes, Power anticipates it will no longer be covering its costs nor be adequately compensated for its market and operational risks at the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear units and would anticipate retiring these units early. The costs associated with any such retirement, which may include, among other things, accelerated depreciation and amortization or impairment charges, accelerated asset retirement costs, severance costs, environmental remediation costs and additional funding of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund (NDT) would be material to both PSEG and Power.
The following table provides the balance sheet amounts by generating station as of December 31, 2017 for significant assets and liabilities associated with Power’s owned share of its nuclear assets.
(A)
Includes Hope Creek’s and Salem’s shared support facilities and other nuclear development capital.
The precise timing of any potential early retirement and resulting financial statement impact may be affected by a number of factors, including co-owner considerations, the results of any transmission system reliability study assessments and decommissioning trust fund requirements and other commitments, as well as future energy prices. Power maintains a NDT Fund that funds its decommissioning obligations. See Note 9. Available-for-Sale Securities.
Note 4. Variable Interest Entity (VIE)
VIE for which PSEG LI is the Primary Beneficiary
PSEG LI consolidates Long Island Electric Utility Servco, LLC (Servco), a marginally capitalized VIE, which was created for the purpose of operating LIPA’s T&D system in Long Island, New York as well as providing administrative support functions to LIPA. PSEG LI is the primary beneficiary of Servco because it directs the operations of Servco, the activity that most significantly impacts Servco’s economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of Servco that could potentially be significant to Servco. Such losses would be immaterial to PSEG.
Pursuant to the OSA, Servco’s operating costs are reimbursable entirely by LIPA, and therefore, PSEG LI’s risk is limited related to the activities of Servco. PSEG LI has no current obligation to provide direct financial support to Servco. In addition to reimbursement of Servco’s operating costs as provided for in the OSA, PSEG LI receives an annual contract management fee. PSEG LI’s annual contractual management fee, in certain situations, could be partially offset by Servco’s annual storm costs not approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, limited contingent liabilities and penalties for failing to meet certain performance metrics.
For transactions in which Servco acts as principal, such as transactions with its employees for labor and labor-related activities, including pension and OPEB-related transactions, Servco records revenues and the related pass-through expenditures separately in Operating Revenues and O&M Expense, respectively. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, Servco recorded $438 million, $410 million
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
and $375 million, respectively, of O&M costs, the full reimbursement of which was reflected in Operating Revenues. For transactions in which Servco acts as an agent for LIPA, it records revenues and the related expenses on a net basis, resulting in no impact on PSEG’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Note 5. Property, Plant and Equipment and Jointly-Owned Facilities
Information related to Property, Plant and Equipment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is detailed below:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PSE&G and Power have ownership interests in and are responsible for providing their respective shares of the necessary financing for the following jointly-owned facilities to which they are a party. All amounts reflect PSE&G’s or Power’s share of the jointly-owned projects and the corresponding direct expenses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating expenses.
Power holds undivided ownership interests in the jointly-owned facilities above. Power is entitled to shares of the generating capability and output of each unit equal to its respective ownership interests. Power also pays its ownership share of additional construction costs, fuel inventory purchases and operating expenses. Power’s share of expenses for the jointly-owned facilities is included in the appropriate expense category. Each owner is responsible for any financing with respect to its pro rata share of capital expenditures.
Power co-owns Salem and Peach Bottom with Exelon Generation. Power is the operator of Salem and Exelon Generation is the operator of Peach Bottom. A committee appointed by the co-owners provides oversight. Proposed O&M budgets and requests for major capital expenditures are reviewed and approved as part of the normal Power governance process.
GenOn Northeast Management Company is a co-owner and the operator for Keystone Generating Station and Conemaugh Generating Station. A committee appointed by the co-owners provides oversight. Proposed O&M budgets and requests for major capital expenditures are reviewed and approved as part of the normal Power governance process.
Power is a co-owner in the Yards Creek Pumped Storage Generation Facility. Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L) is also a co-owner and the operator of this facility. JCP&L submits separate capital and O&M budgets, subject to Power’s approval as part of the normal Power governance process.
Power is a minority owner in the Merrill Creek Reservoir and Environmental Preserve in Warren County, New Jersey. Merrill Creek Owners Group is the owner-operator of this facility. The operator submits separate capital and O&M budgets, subject to Power’s approval as part of the normal Power governance process.
Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
PSE&G prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP for regulated utilities as described in Note 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. PSE&G has deferred certain costs based on rate orders issued by the BPU or FERC or based on PSE&G’s experience with prior rate cases. Most of PSE&G’s Regulatory Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2017 are supported by written orders, either explicitly or implicitly through the BPU’s treatment of various cost items. These costs will be recovered and amortized over various future periods.
Regulatory Assets and other investments and costs incurred under our various infrastructure filings and clause mechanisms are subject to prudence reviews and can be disallowed in the future by regulatory authorities. To the extent that collection of any
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
infrastructure or clause mechanism revenue, Regulatory Assets or payments of Regulatory Liabilities is no longer probable, the amounts would be charged or credited to income.
PSE&G had the following Regulatory Assets and Liabilities:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All Regulatory Assets and Liabilities are excluded from PSE&G’s rate base unless otherwise noted. The Regulatory Assets and Liabilities in the table above are defined as follows:
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Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation: These costs represent the differences between rate regulated cost of removal accounting and asset retirement accounting under GAAP. These costs will be recovered in future rates as assets are retired.
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Deferred Income Taxes: These amounts represent the portion of deferred income taxes that will be recovered or refunded through future rates, based upon established regulatory practices. In December 2017, new tax legislation was enacted (Tax Act) reducing the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. PSE&G is subject to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate was enacted. The impact of reduction in tax rate is the primary reason for the decrease in the Regulatory Asset.
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Electric and Gas Cost of Removal: PSE&G accrues and collects in rates for the cost of removing, dismantling and disposing of its transmission and distribution assets upon retirement. The regulatory asset or liability for non-legally required cost of removal represents the difference between amounts collected in rates and costs actually incurred.
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Electric Energy Costs-Basic Generation Service: These costs represent the over or under recovered amounts associated with Basic Generation Services (BGS), as approved by the BPU. Pursuant to BPU requirements, PSE&G serves as the supplier of last resort for electric customers within its service territory that are not served by another supplier. Pricing for those services are set by the BPU as a pass-through, resulting in no margin for PSE&G’s operations. Over or under recovered balances with interest are returned or recovered through monthly filings.
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Excess Deferred Income Tax Regulatory Liability: The $2.9 billion Regulatory Liability represents the future revenue reduction of PSE&G’s existing $2.1 billion Accumulated Deferred Income Tax liabilities that are in excess of what is needed to offset future tax liabilities as a result of the Tax Act that reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The excess deferred income taxes are primarily related to the difference between book and tax plant depreciation and under the new tax legislation cannot be returned to customers any faster than over the remaining regulatory lives of the related property. For the remaining excess deferred taxes, the mechanism and timing of these refunds will be determined by the BPU and FERC.
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FERC Formula Rate True-up: Over or under collection of transmission earnings calculated using a FERC approved formula. Over or under collected balances with interest are returned or recovered through the subsequent annual filing.
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Gas Costs-Basic Gas Supply Service: These costs represent the over or under recovered amounts associated with Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS), as approved by the BPU. Pursuant to BPU requirements, PSE&G serves as the supplier of last resort for gas customers within its service territory that are not served by another supplier. Pricing for those services are set by the BPU as a pass-through, resulting in no margin for PSE&G’s operations. Over or under collected balances are returned or recovered through an annual filing. Interest is accrued only on over recovered balances.
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Gas Margin Adjustment Clause: This mechanism credits Firm delivery customers for net distribution margin revenue collected from Transportation Gas Service Non-Firm (TSG-NF) delivery customers. The balance represents the difference between the net margin collected from the TSG-NF Customers versus bill credits provided to Firm delivery customers. Over or under recovered balances with interest are returned or recovered through the subsequent annual filing.
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GPRC: This amount represents costs of the over or under collected balances associated with various renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The Company files annually with the BPU for recovery of amounts that include a return on and of its investment over the lives of the underlying investments and capital assets which range from 5 to 10 years. Interest is accrued monthly on any over or under recovered balances. Components of the GPRC include: Carbon Abatement, Energy Efficiency Economic Stimulus Program (EEE), EEE Extension Program, EEE Extension II Program, the Demand Response Program, Solar Generation Investment Program (Solar 4 All), Solar 4 All Extension, Solar 4 All Extension II, Solar Loan II Program, Solar Loan III Program and the Energy Efficiency 2017 Program.
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MGP Remediation Costs: Represents the low end of the range for the remaining environmental investigation and remediation program cleanup costs for manufactured gas plants that are probable of recovery in future rates. Once these costs are incurred, they are recovered through the RAC in the SBC over a seven year period with interest.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
•
MTM Contracts: The estimated fair value of gas hedge contracts and gas cogeneration supply contract. The regulatory asset/liability is offset by a derivative asset/liability and, with respect to the gas hedge contracts only, an intercompany receivable/payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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New Jersey Clean Energy Program: The BPU approved future funding requirements for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs through the first half of 2018. The BPU funding requirements are recovered through the SBC.
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Pension and OPEB Costs: Pursuant to the adoption of accounting guidance for employers’ defined benefit pension and OPEB plans, PSE&G recorded the unrecognized costs for defined benefit pension and other OPEB plans on the balance sheet as a Regulatory Asset. These costs represent actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs and transition obligations as a result of adoption, which have not been expensed. These costs are amortized and recovered in future rates.
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RAC (Other SBC): Costs incurred to clean up manufactured gas plants which are recovered over seven years with interest through an annual filing.
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SBC: The SBC, as authorized by the BPU and the New Jersey Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act, includes costs related to PSE&G’s electric and gas business as follows: (1) the Universal Service Fund (USF); (2) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs; (3) Electric bad debt expense; and (4) the RAC for incurred MGP remediation expenditures. Over or under recovered balances with interest are to be returned or recovered through an annual filing.
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Storm Damage Deferrals: Costs incurred in the cleanup of major storms in 2010 through 2017. As of December 31, 2017, this includes the $220 million of storm costs, net of insurance recoveries, primarily as a result of Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, approved for recovery in a future base rate case proceeding under a BPU order received in September 2014.
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Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt and Debt Expense: Represents losses on reacquired long-term debt and expenses associated with issuances of new debt, which are recovered through rates over the remaining life of the debt.
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WNC: This represents the over or under recovery of gas margin under the BPU’s weather normalization clause which is filed annually. The WNC requires PSE&G to calculate, at the end of each October-to-May period, the level by which margin revenues differed from what would have resulted if normal weather had occurred. Over recoveries are returned to customers in the next winter season while under recoveries (subject to an earnings cap) are recovered from customers in the next winter season.
Significant 2017 regulatory orders received and currently pending rate filings with FERC and the BPU by PSE&G are as follows:
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Electric and Gas Distribution Base Rate Filing-In January 2018, PSE&G filed a distribution base rate case as required as a condition of approval of its Energy Strong Program approved by the BPU in 2014. The filing requests an approximate one percent increase in revenues and seeks to recover investments made to strengthen electric and gas distribution systems. In its filing, PSE&G requested that these rates take into account a reduction in the revenue requirement as a result of the federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% provided in the Tax Act, including a one-time credit for estimated excess income taxes collected between January 1, 2018 and the time new rates go into effect, and the flow back to customers of certain additional tax benefits. PSE&G anticipates the new base rates will go into effect in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Separately, in January 2018, the BPU issued an order commencing a proceeding to ensure that the rate revenue resulting from expenses relating to taxes reflected in rates but no longer owed as the result of the Tax Act shall be passed onto the ratepayers. The BPU directed New Jersey utilities (including PSE&G) to make filings by March 2, 2018 setting forth interim rates to be effective April 1, 2018 reflecting the new federal corporate tax rate, and to subsequently file proposed final rates, effective July 1, 2018, incorporating all other effects of the Tax Act. This proceeding is currently pending.
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Transmission Formula Rate Filings-In June 2017, PSE&G filed its 2016 true-up adjustment pertaining to its transmission formula rates in effect for 2016. This resulted in an adjustment of $12 million more than the 2016 originally filed revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, PSE&G recorded an estimated true-up adjustment of $16 million to its 2017 Annual Formula rate. That true-up will be filed by no later than June 15, 2018.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In October 2017, the 2018 Annual Formula Rate Update was filed with FERC and requested approximately $212 million in increased annual transmission revenues effective January 1, 2018, subject to true-up. In January 2018, PSE&G filed with FERC a revised 2018 Annual Transmission Formula Rate Update reducing the 2018 transmission annual revenue requirement to reflect the federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, provided in the Tax Act. This change in the federal corporate tax rate reduces the annual revenue requirement by $148 million. The revised increase in annual transmission revenues effective January 1, 2018 is $64 million.
•
Energy Strong Recovery Filing-In March and September of each year, PSE&G files with the BPU for base rate recovery of Energy Strong investments which include a return of and on its investment.
In June 2017, PSE&G submitted the planned update to its March Energy Strong cost recovery petition, originally filed in March 2017, to include Energy Strong investments in service as of May 31, 2017. This filing requested estimated annual increases in electric and gas revenues of $16 million and $2 million, respectively. In August 2017, the BPU approved these rate increases effective September 1, 2017.
In September 2017, PSE&G filed its Energy Strong electric cost recovery petition seeking BPU approval to recover the revenue requirements associated with Energy Strong capitalized investment costs placed in service from June 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017. The filing was updated in December 2017 requesting an annual increase in electric revenues of $8 million. This matter is pending.
•
Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP)-In July of each year, PSE&G files with the BPU for base rate recovery of GSMP investments which include a return of and on its investment.
In December 2017, the BPU approved PSE&G’s annual GSMP cost recovery petition, originally filed in July 2017, and updated in October 2017, to include GSMP investments in service as of September 30, 2017. The BPU approved an annual increase in gas revenues of $25 million, effective January 1, 2018.
•
BGSS-In June 2017, PSE&G made its annual BGSS filing with the BPU requesting an increase in the BGSS rate from approximately 34 cents to 37 cents per therm effective October 1, 2017. In September 2017, the BPU approved a Stipulation in this matter on a provisional basis and the BGSS rate was increased. In December 2017 and February 2018, PSE&G filed with the BPU for self-implementing monthly bill credits of 15 cents per therm for the months of January, February and March 2018. These monthly bill credits are estimated to provide approximately $100 million in customer credits. In November 2017, a filing was made by the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) with the BPU requesting that the BPU revisit the BGSS process and establish a gas capacity release program. This filing, which remains pending, is applicable to all New Jersey gas utilities.
•
Green Program Recovery Charges (GPRC)-Each year PSE&G files with the BPU for annual recovery for the 11 combined components of its electric and gas Green Program investments which include a return on its investment and recovery of expenses.
In March 2017, the BPU gave final approval to PSE&G’s 2016 GPRC cost recovery petition to recover approximately$37 million and $13 million in electric and gas revenues, respectively, on an annual basis associated with PSE&G’s implementation of these BPU approved GPRC programs for the period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. The rates were effective May 1, 2017. This Order also included the return of approximately $5 million in remaining overcollections from the completed Securitization Transition Charge.
In June 2017, PSE&G filed its 2017 GPRC cost recovery petition requesting recovery of approximately $47 million and $13 million in electric and gas revenues, respectively, on an annual basis associated with PSE&G’s implementation of these BPU approved programs for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. This proceeding is ongoing.
In August 2017, the BPU approved PSE&G’s petition for an Energy Efficiency 2017 Program (EE 2017) to extend three existing energy efficiency subprograms (multi-family, direct install and hospital efficiency) and establish two new residential energy efficiency offerings. The two new offerings include deployment of smart thermostats and a pilot program to provide residential customers with energy usage information enabling them to reduce consumption. The Order allows PSE&G to extend the subprogram offerings and establish the residential energy efficiency subprograms under its existing energy efficiency clause recovery process. The EE 2017 allows for $69 million of additional investment and $16 million of additional administrative and information technology costs. The EE 2017 was added as the 11th component of the GPRC rate effective September 1, 2017.
•
Weather Normalization Clause-In April 2017, the BPU gave final approval to PSE&G petition to collect $54 million in net deficiency gas revenues as a result of the warmer than normal 2015-2016 Winter Period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In September 2017, the BPU approved on a provisional basis, PSE&G’s petition to collect $31 million in net deficiency gas revenues as a result of the warmer than normal 2016-2017 Winter Period and a remaining carryover balance of $24 million in net deficiency gas revenues from the 2015-2016 Winter Period for a total recovery of $55 million in net deficiency revenues. The deficiency will be collected from customers over the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 Winter Periods (October 1 through May 31). Final approval in this matter is pending.
•
Remediation Adjustment Charge (RAC)-In June 2017, the BPU approved PSE&G’s filing with respect to its RAC 24 petition allowing recovery of $41 million effective July 10, 2017 related to net Manufactured Gas Plant expenditures from August 1, 2015 through July 31, 2016. In February 2018, PSE&G filed a RAC 25 Petition with the BPU requesting recovery of $63 million of net Manufactured Gas Plant expenditures from August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017. This matter is pending.
•
Universal Service Fund (USF)/Lifeline-In September 2017, the BPU approved rates set to recover state-wide costs incurred by New Jersey electric and gas distribution companies under the State’s USF/Lifeline energy assistance programs effective October 1, 2017. PSE&G earns no margin on the collection of the USF and Lifeline programs resulting in no impact on its Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Note 7. Long-Term Investments
Long-Term Investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 included the following:
(A)
During the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, dividends from these investments were $18 million, $18 million and $16 million, respectively.
Leases
Energy Holdings, through several of its indirect subsidiary companies, has investments in domestic energy and real estate assets subject primarily to leveraged lease accounting. A leveraged lease is typically comprised of an investment by an equity investor and debt provided by a third-party debt investor. The debt is recourse only to the assets subject to lease and is not included on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. As an equity investor, Energy Holdings’ equity investments in the leases are comprised of the total expected lease receivables over the lease terms plus the estimated residual values at the end of the lease terms, reduced for any income not yet earned on the leases. This amount is included in Long-Term Investments on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The more rapid depreciation of the leased property for tax purposes creates tax cash flow that will be repaid to the taxing authority in later periods. As such, the liability for such taxes due is recorded in Deferred Income Taxes on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the third quarter of 2016, Energy Holdings completed its annual review of estimated residual values embedded in the NRG REMA, LLC (REMA) leveraged leases. The outcome indicated that the revised residual value estimates were lower than the recorded residual values and the decline was deemed to be other than temporary due to the adverse economic conditions experienced by coal generation in PJM, as discussed in Note 3. Early Plant Retirements, negatively impacting the economic outlook of the leased assets. As a result, a pre-tax write-down of $137 million was reflected in Operating Revenues in the quarter ended September 30, 2016, calculated by comparing the gross investment in the leases before and after the revised residual estimates. During the fourth quarter of 2016, Energy Holdings recorded a $10 million charge for its best estimate of loss as a result of the current liquidity issues facing REMA, which was reflected in Operating Revenues and is included in Gross Investments in Leases as of December 31, 2016. For additional information, see Note 8. Financing Receivables.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During the first quarter of 2017, due to continuing liquidity issues facing REMA, economic challenges facing coal generation in PJM, and based upon an ongoing review of available alternatives as well as certain recent discussions with REMA management, Energy Holdings recorded an additional $55 million pre-tax charge for its current best estimate of loss related to the lease receivables.
In June 2017, GenOn Energy, Inc. (GenOn) and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. REMA was not included in the GenOn filing. Energy Holdings continues to monitor the restructuring of GenOn and its possible impacts on REMA and continues to discuss the situation with various parties relevant to this matter. During the second quarter of 2017, Energy Holdings completed its review of estimated residual values embedded in its leveraged lease portfolio of generating assets and the outcome indicated that one of the residual value estimates was lower than the recorded residual value due to a further deterioration of market conditions and changes to operating cost estimates. This decline was determined to be other than temporary. As a result, a pre-tax write-down of $7 million was recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2017. In addition, based on an ongoing review of (i) the liquidity challenges facing REMA and (ii) available alternatives, Energy Holdings recorded an additional $15 million pre-tax charge in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 for its current best estimate of loss related to lease receivables. Pre-tax write-downs and additional charges are reflected in Operating Revenues and are included in Gross Investment in Leases as of December 31, 2017.
In January 2018, certain subsidiaries of Energy Holdings, REMA, certain holders of the pass-through certificates and other parties entered into a Forbearance Agreement (Forbearance) relating to the Conemaugh facility. Pursuant to the Forbearance, the parties thereto agreed to temporarily forbear from exercising rights and remedies related to certain events of default related to REMA’s obligation to procure additional qualifying credit support. The Forbearance will remain effective until the earlier of (i) the later of (a) April 15, 2018 and (b) two weeks following the date on which Energy Holdings subsidiaries, REMA and/or the consenting certificate holders provide written notice to REMA of its intention to terminate the Forbearance, and (ii) the date on which any event of termination as specified in the Forbearance occurs.
PSEG cannot predict the outcome of GenOn’s restructuring process or the possible related impact on REMA. PSEG continues to monitor any changes to REMA’s and GenOn’s status and potential impacts on Energy Holdings’ lease investments. If lease rejections or foreclosures were to occur, Energy Holdings could potentially record additional pre-tax write-offs up to its gross investment in these facilities and may also be required to accelerate and pay material deferred tax liabilities to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The following table shows Energy Holdings’ gross and net lease investment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
In December 2017, new tax legislation was enacted, reducing the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. PSEG is subject to ASC 740, which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate was enacted. The impact of the reduced tax rate is the primary reason for the decrease in Deferred Tax Liabilities. For additional information, see Note 20. Income Taxes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The pre-tax income (loss) and income tax effects related to investments in leases, excluding gains and losses on sales and the impacts of the Tax Act, were as follows:
Equity Method Investments
Power had the following equity method investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Note 8. Financing Receivables
PSE&G
PSE&G sponsors a solar loan program designed to help finance the installation of solar power systems throughout its electric service area. Interest income on the loans is recorded on an accrual basis. The loans are generally paid back with solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) generated from the installed solar electric system. In the event of a loan default, the basis of the solar loan would be recovered through a regulatory recovery mechanism. None of the solar loans are impaired; however, in the event a loan becomes impaired, the basis of the loan would be recovered through a regulatory recovery mechanism.
The following table reflects the outstanding loans, including the noncurrent portion reported in Note 7. Long-Term Investments, by class of customer, none of which would be considered “non-performing.”
Energy Holdings
Energy Holdings had a net investment in domestic energy and real estate assets subject to leveraged lease accounting of $85 million as of December 31, 2017 and $(25) million as of December 31, 2016 (See Note 7. Long-Term Investments).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The corresponding receivables associated with the lease portfolio are reflected as follows, net of non-recourse debt. The ratings in the table represent the ratings of the entities providing payment assurance to Energy Holdings.
The “BB-” and the “CCC-” ratings in the preceding table represent lease receivables related to coal and gas-fired assets in Illinois and Pennsylvania, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the gross investment in the leases of such assets, net of non-recourse debt, was $335 million, ($(67) million, net of deferred taxes). A more detailed description of such assets under lease is presented in the following table.
(A)
GenOn Energy Inc. (GenOn), and certain of its subsidiaries (which did not include REMA) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. GenOn is currently engaged in a balance sheet restructuring, which will take an undetermined time to complete. Certain subsidiaries of Energy Holdings, REMA, consenting holders of the pass-through certificates and other parties entered into a Forbearance relating to the Conemaugh facility. For additional information, see Note 7. Long-Term Investments.
The credit exposure for lessors is partially mitigated through various credit enhancement mechanisms within the lease structures. These credit enhancement features vary from lease to lease. Upon the occurrence of certain defaults, indirect subsidiary companies of Energy Holdings would exercise their rights and seek recovery of their investment, potentially including stepping into the lease directly to protect their investments. While these actions could ultimately protect or mitigate the loss of value, they could require the use of significant capital and trigger certain material tax obligations which could wholly or partially be mitigated by tax indemnification claims against the counterparty. A bankruptcy of a lessee would likely delay and potentially limit any efforts on the part of the lessors to assert their rights upon default and could delay the monetization of claims. Failure to recover adequate value could ultimately lead to a foreclosure on the assets under lease by the lenders.
Additional factors that may impact future lease cash flows include, but are not limited to, new environmental legislation and regulation regarding air quality, water and other discharges in the process of generating electricity, market prices for fuel, electricity and capacity, overall financial condition of lease counterparties and their affiliates and the quality and condition of assets under lease.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 9. Available-for-Sale Securities
NDT Fund
In accordance with NRC regulations, entities owning an interest in nuclear generating facilities are required to determine the costs and funding methods necessary to decommission such facilities upon termination of operation. As a general practice, each nuclear owner places funds in independent external trust accounts it maintains to provide for decommissioning. Power is required to file periodic reports with the NRC demonstrating that its NDT Fund meets the formula-based minimum NRC funding requirements.
Power maintains an external master NDT to fund its share of decommissioning for its five nuclear facilities upon their respective termination of operation. The trust contains two separate funds: a qualified fund and a non-qualified fund. Section 468A of the Internal Revenue Code limits the amount of money that can be contributed into a qualified fund. Power’s share of decommissioning costs related to its five nuclear units was estimated to be between $2.8 billion and $3.0 billion, including contingencies. The liability for decommissioning recorded on a discounted basis as of December 31, 2017 was approximately $756 million and is included in the Asset Retirement Obligation. The funds are managed by third-party investment managers who operate under investment guidelines developed by Power.
Power classifies investments in the NDT Fund as available-for-sale. The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized gains and losses for the securities held in the NDT Fund.
(A)
The NDT available-for-sale securities table excludes cash of $1 million as of December 31, 2016, which is part of the NDT Fund.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The cost of these securities was determined on the basis of specific identification.
The amounts in the preceding tables do not include receivables and payables for NDT Fund transactions which have not settled at the end of each period. Such amounts are included in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as shown in the following table.
The following table shows the value of securities in the NDT Fund that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and greater than 12 months.
(A)
Equity Securities-Investments in marketable equity securities within the NDT Fund are primarily in common stocks within a broad range of industries and sectors. The unrealized losses are distributed over a broad range of securities with limited impairment durations. Power does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.
(B)
Debt Securities (Government)-Unrealized losses on Power’s NDT investments in U.S. Treasury obligations and Federal Agency mortgage-backed securities were caused by interest rate changes. These investments are guaranteed by the U.S. government or an agency of the U.S. government. Power also has investments in municipal bonds that are primarily in investment grade securities. It is not expected that these securities will settle for less than their amortized cost. Since Power does not intend to sell these securities before recovery nor will it be more-likely-than-not required to sell, Power does not consider these debt securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.
(C)
Debt Securities (Corporate)-Power’s investments in corporate bonds are primarily in investment grade securities. It is not expected that these securities would settle for less than their amortized cost. Since Power does not intend to sell these securities before recovery nor will it be more-likely-than-not required to sell, Power does not consider these debt securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The proceeds from the sales of and the net realized gains on securities in the NDT Fund were:
(A)
Includes activity in accounts related to the liquidation of funds being transitioned to new managers.
(B)
The cost of these securities was determined on the basis of specific identification.
Gross realized gains and gross realized losses disclosed in the preceding table were recognized in Other Income and Other Deductions, respectively, in PSEG’s and Power’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net unrealized gains of $175 million (after-tax) are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on PSEG’s and Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. Under new guidance, equity investments (other than those accounted for using the equity method) will be measured at fair value through Net Income instead of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), effective January 1, 2018. For additional information, see Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards.
The available-for-sale debt securities held as of December 31, 2017 had the following maturities:
Power periodically assesses individual securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost to determine whether the investments are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. For equity securities, management considers the ability and intent to hold for a reasonable time to permit recovery in addition to the severity and duration of the loss. For fixed income securities, management considers its intent to sell or requirement to sell a security prior to expected recovery. In those cases where a sale is expected, any impairment would be recorded through earnings. For fixed income securities where there is no intent to sell or likely requirement to sell, management evaluates whether credit loss is a component of the impairment. If so, that portion is recorded through earnings while the noncredit loss component is recorded through Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). In 2017, other-than-temporary impairments of $12 million were recognized on securities in the NDT Fund. Any subsequent recoveries in the value of these securities would be recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) unless the securities are sold, in which case, any gain would be recognized in income. The assessment of fair market value compared to cost is applied on a weighted average basis taking into account various purchase dates and initial cost of the securities.
Rabbi Trust
PSEG maintains certain unfunded nonqualified benefit plans to provide supplemental retirement and deferred compensation benefits to certain key employees. Certain assets related to these plans have been set aside in a grantor trust commonly known as a “Rabbi Trust.”
PSEG classifies investments in the Rabbi Trust as available-for-sale. The following tables show the fair values, gross unrealized gains and losses and amortized cost bases for the securities held in the Rabbi Trust.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The amounts in the preceding tables do not include receivables and payables for Rabbi Trust Fund transactions which have not settled at the end of each period. Such amounts are included in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as shown in the following table.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table shows the value of securities in the Rabbi Trust Fund that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and greater than 12 months:
(A)
Equity Securities-Investments in marketable equity securities within the Rabbi Trust Fund are through a mutual fund which invests primarily in common stocks within a broad range of industries and sectors.
(B)
Debt Securities (Government)-Unrealized losses on PSEG’s Rabbi Trust investments in U.S. Treasury obligations and Federal Agency mortgage-backed securities were caused by interest rate changes. These investments are guaranteed by the U.S. government or an agency of the U.S. government. PSEG also has investments in municipal bonds that are primarily in investment grade securities. It is not expected that these securities will settle for less than their amortized cost. Since PSEG does not intend to sell these securities before recovery nor will it be more-likely-than-not required to sell, PSEG does not consider these debt securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.
(C)
Debt Securities (Corporate)-PSEG’s investments in corporate bonds are primarily in investment grade securities. It is not expected that these securities would settle for less than their amortized cost. Since PSEG does not intend to sell these securities before recovery nor will it be more-likely-than-not required to sell, PSEG does not consider these debt securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.
The proceeds from the sales of and the net realized gains on securities in the Rabbi Trust Fund were:
(A)
Includes activity in accounts related to the liquidation of funds being transitioned to new managers.
(B)
The cost of these securities was determined on the basis of specific identification.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gross realized gains and gross realized losses disclosed in the above table were recognized in Other Income and Other Deductions, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net unrealized gains of $2 million (after-tax) were recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. The Rabbi Trust available-for-sale debt securities held as of December 31, 2017 had the following maturities:
PSEG periodically assesses individual securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost to determine whether the investments are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. For equity securities, the Rabbi Trust is invested in a commingled indexed mutual fund. Due to the commingled nature of this fund, PSEG does not have the ability to hold these securities until expected recovery. As a result, any declines in fair market value below cost are recorded as a charge to earnings. For fixed income securities, management considers its intent to sell or requirement to sell a security prior to expected recovery. In those cases where a sale is expected, any impairment would be recorded through earnings. For fixed income securities where there is no intent to sell or likely requirement to sell, management evaluates whether credit loss is a component of the impairment. If so, that portion is recorded through earnings while the noncredit loss component is recorded through Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The assessment of fair market value compared to cost is applied on a weighted average basis taking into account various purchase dates and initial cost of the securities. In 2017, there were no other-than-temporary impairments recognized on investments of the Rabbi Trust. The fair value of the Rabbi Trust related to PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 10. Goodwill and Other Intangibles
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Power had goodwill of $16 million related to the Bethlehem Energy Center facility. Power conducted an annual review for goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of 2017 and concluded that goodwill continues to remain unimpaired. In addition to goodwill, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Power had intangible assets of $114 million and $98 million, respectively, related to emissions allowances and renewable energy credits. Emissions allowances and renewable energy credits are recorded at cost and evaluated for impairment at least annually. Emissions expense includes impairments of emissions allowances and costs for emissions, which is recorded as emissions occur. As load is served under contracts requiring energy from renewable sources, the related expense is recorded. The changes to Power’s intangible assets during 2016 and 2017 are presented in the following table:
Note 11. Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs)
PSEG, PSE&G and Power recognize liabilities for the expected cost of retiring long-lived assets for which a legal obligation exists to remove or dispose of an asset or some component of an asset at retirement. These AROs are recorded at fair value in the period in which they are incurred and are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets. PSE&G, as a rate-regulated entity, recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities as a result of timing differences between the recording of costs and costs recovered through the rate-making process. We accrete the ARO liability to reflect the passage of time with the corresponding expense recorded in Operation and Maintenance.
PSE&G has conditional AROs primarily for legal obligations related to the removal of treated wood poles and the requirement to seal natural gas pipelines at all sources of gas when the pipelines are no longer in service. PSE&G does not record an ARO for its protected steel and poly-based natural gas lines, as management believes that these categories of gas lines have an indeterminable life.
Power’s ARO liability primarily relates to the decommissioning of its nuclear power plants in accordance with NRC requirements. Power has an independent external trust that is intended to fund decommissioning of its nuclear facilities upon termination of operation. For additional information, see Note 9. Available-for-Sale Securities. Power also identified conditional AROs primarily related to Power’s fossil generation units and solar facilities, including liabilities for removal of asbestos, ash ponds, stored hazardous liquid material and underground storage tanks from industrial power sites, and demolition of certain plants, and the restoration of the sites at which they reside, when the plants are no longer in service. To estimate the fair value of its AROs, Power uses a probability weighted, discounted cash flow model which, on a unit by unit basis, considers multiple outcome scenarios that include significant estimates and assumptions, and are based on third-party decommissioning cost estimates, cost escalation rates, inflation rates and discount rates.
Updated cost studies are obtained triennially unless new information necessitates more frequent updates. The most recent cost study was done in 2015. When assumptions are revised to calculate fair values of existing AROs, the ARO balance and corresponding long-lived asset are adjusted which impact the amount of accretion and depreciation expense recognized in future periods. For PSE&G, Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities result when accretion and amortization are adjusted to match rates established by regulators resulting in the regulatory deferral of any gain or loss.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The changes to the ARO liabilities for PSEG, PSE&G and Power during 2016 and 2017 are presented in the following table:
(A)
Not reflected as expense in Consolidated Statements of Operations
During 2017, PSE&G recorded a reduction to its ARO liabilities primarily due to the impact of settlements and changes to cash flow estimates. These changes had no impact in PSE&G’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.
During 2017, Power recorded an increase to its ARO liabilities primarily due to a higher assumed probability of early retirement of its nuclear units of $276 million (See Note 3. Early Plant Retirements for additional information).
Note 12. Pension, Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) and Savings Plans
PSEG sponsors qualified and nonqualified pension plans and OPEB plans covering PSEG’s and its participating affiliates’ current and former employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible employees participate in non-contributory pension and OPEB plans sponsored by PSEG and administered by Services. In addition, represented and nonrepresented employees are eligible for participation in PSEG’s two defined contribution plans described below.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power are required to record the under or over funded positions of their defined benefit pension and OPEB plans on their respective balance sheets. Such funding positions of each PSEG company are required to be measured as of the date of its respective year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. For underfunded plans, the liability is equal to the difference between the plan’s benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For OPEB plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. In addition, GAAP requires that the total unrecognized costs for defined benefit pension and OPEB plans be recorded as an after-tax charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a separate component of Stockholders’ Equity. However, for PSE&G, because the amortization of the unrecognized costs is being collected from customers, the accumulated unrecognized costs are recorded as a Regulatory Asset. The unrecognized costs represent actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs which had not been expensed.
For PSE&G, the Regulatory Asset is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For Power, the charge to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is amortized and recorded as net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2016, PSEG merged its three qualified defined benefit pension plans (excluding Servco plans) into one plan, thereby also merging all of the pension plans’ assets. As a result, the total net periodic benefit costs, net of amounts capitalized, decreased by approximately $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the 2017 amounts that would have been recognized had the plans not been merged. This is due to the amortization period for gains and losses for the merged plan resulting in lower amortization than that of the individual plans. No changes were made to the benefit formulas, vesting provisions, or to the employees covered by the plans.
Amounts for Servco are not included in any of the following pension and OPEB benefit information for PSEG and its affiliates but rather are separately disclosed later in this note.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets during each of the two years in the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits. The vested benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is currently entitled but based on the employee’s expected date of separation of retirement.
(B)
Includes $683 million ($406 million, after-tax) and $679 million ($398 million, after-tax) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss related to Pension and OPEB as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Also includes Regulatory Assets of $1,485 million and Deferred Assets of $133 million as of December 31, 2017 and Regulatory Assets of $1,396 million and Deferred Assets of $134 million as of December 31, 2016.
The pension benefits table above provides information relating to the funded status of the qualified, nonqualified pension and OPEB plans on an aggregate basis. As of December 31, 2017, PSEG had funded approximately 91% of its projected benefit obligation. This percentage does not include $231 million of assets in the Rabbi Trust as of December 31, 2017 which were used partially to fund the nonqualified pension plans. As of December 31, 2017, the nonqualified pension plans included in the projected benefit obligation in the above table were $167 million. The fair values of the Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Special Funds on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
The accumulated benefit obligation for all PSEG’s defined benefit pension plans was $6.1 billion as of December 31, 2017 and $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2016.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Pension costs and OPEB costs for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
The following table provides the pre-tax changes recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Deferred Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2018 are as follows:
The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs:
Plan Assets
The investments of pension and OPEB plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension and OPEB plans are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. Use of the Master Trust permits the commingling of pension plan assets and OPEB plan assets for investment and administrative purposes. Although assets of the plans are commingled in the Master Trust, the Trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Trustee to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans. As of December 31, 2017, the pension plan interest and OPEB plan interest in such assets of the Master Trust were approximately 92% and 8%, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tables present information about the investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
The Collective Investment Fund publishes a daily net asset value (NAV) which participants may use for daily redemptions without restrictions (Level 1). Certain temporary investments are valued using inputs such as time-to-maturity, coupon rate, quality rating and current yield (Level 2).
(B)
Common stocks and preferred stocks are measured using observable data in active markets and considered Level 1.
(C)
Commingled Funds that allow daily redemption at their daily published NAV without restrictions are classified as Level 1. Commingled Funds that publish daily NAV but with certain near term redemption restrictions which prevent redemption at the published daily NAV are classified as Level 2.
(D)
Debt securities include mainly investment grade corporate and municipal bonds, US Treasury obligations and Federal Agency asset-backed securities with a wide range of maturities. These investments are valued using an evaluated pricing approach that varies by asset class and reflects observable market information such as the most recent exchange price or quoted bid for similar securities. Market-based standard inputs typically include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads or the most recent quoted for similar securities which are a Level 2 measure.
(E)
In 2016, as part of the implementation of the accounting guidance on investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient, certain commingled equity funds have been removed from the fair value hierarchy as they are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. These funds do not meet the definition of readily determinable fair value due to limitations in published NAV (last business day of the month) and include certain redemption restrictions ranging from five to fifteen days advance notice prior to redemption days and limitations on withdrawals over 25% of the total fund. The objectives of these funds are mainly tracking the S&P Index or achieving long-term growth through investment in foreign equity securities and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
(F)
Private equity investments primarily include various limited partnerships that invest in either operating companies through acquisitions or developing a portfolio of non-US distressed investments to maximize total return on capital. These investments are valued at NAV (or its equivalent) on an annual basis and have significant redemption restrictions preventing redemption until fund liquidation and limited ability to sell these investments. Fund liquidation is not expected to occur for several more years. These investments have been removed from the fair value hierarchy in accordance with the guidance on NAV practical expedient.
(G)
Excludes net receivable of $13 million and $14 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which consists of interest, dividends and receivables and payables related to pending securities sales and purchases.
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans as of the measurement date, December 31:
PSEG utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. PSEG’s latest asset/liability study indicates that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. Derivative financial instruments are used by the plans’ investment managers primarily to adjust the fixed income duration of the portfolio and hedge the currency risk component of foreign investments. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.8% for 2017 and will be 7.8% for 2018. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management and considered the plans’ historical annualized rate of return since inception.
Plan Contributions
PSEG has no planned contributions to its pension plans in 2018. PSEG plans to make discretionary contributions of $14 million into its OPEB plan during 2018.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to plan participants.
401(k) Plans
PSEG sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) defined contribution retirement plans. Eligible represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Employee Savings Plan (Savings Plan), while eligible non-represented employees of PSEG’s subsidiaries participate in the PSEG Thrift and Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (Thrift Plan). Eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any catch-up contributions for those employees age 50 and above. PSEG matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 7% of pay for Savings Plan participants and up to 8% of pay for Thrift Plan participants.
The amount paid for employer matching contributions to the plans for PSEG, PSE&G and Power are detailed as follows:
Servco Pension and OPEB
At the direction of LIPA, effective January 1, 2014, Servco established benefit plans that provide substantially the same benefits to its employees as those previously provided by National Grid Electric Services LLC (NGES), the predecessor T&D system manager for LIPA. Since the vast majority of Servco’s employees had worked under NGES’ T&D operations services arrangement with LIPA, Servco’s plans provide certain of those employees with pension and OPEB vested credit for prior years’ services earned while working for NGES. The benefit plans cover all employees of Servco for current service. Under the OSA, all of these and any future employee benefit costs are to be funded by LIPA. See Note 4. Variable Interest Entity. These obligations, as well as the offsetting long-term receivable, are separately presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of PSEG.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the changes in Servco’s benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. It also provides the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized and amounts not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the end of both years.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
Represents projected benefit obligation for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other benefits. The vested benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is currently entitled but based on the employee’s expected date of separation of retirement.
(B)
Amounts equal to the accrued pension and OPEB costs of Servco are offset in Long-Term Receivable of VIE on PSEG’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Pension and OPEB costs of Servco are accounted for according to the OSA. Servco recognizes expenses for contributions to its pension plan trusts and for OPEB payments made to retirees. Operating Revenues are recognized for the reimbursement of these costs. The pension-related revenues and costs for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $35 million, $28 million and $30 million, respectively. Servco has contributed its entire planned contribution amount to its pension plan trusts during 2017. The OPEB-related revenues earned and costs incurred were $4 million and $2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, and immaterial for 2015.
The following assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations of Servco:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Plan Assets
All the investments of Servco’s pension plans are held in a trust account by the Trustee and consist of an undivided interest in an investment account of the Master Trust. The investments in the pension are measured at fair value within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance. The Actuary maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to the respective participating plans. The net investment income of the investment assets is allocated by the Actuary to each participating plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the participating plans.
The following tables present information about Servco’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values.
(A)
Investments in commingled equity and bond funds have a readily determinable fair value as they publish a daily NAV available to investors which is the basis for current transactions and contain certain redemption restrictions requiring advance notice of one to two days for withdrawals (Level 2).
The following table provides the percentage of fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets held for the qualified pension and OPEB plans of Servco as of the measurement date, December 31:
Servco utilizes forecasted returns, risk, and correlation of all asset classes in order to develop a portfolio designed to produce the maximum return opportunity per unit of risk. The results from Servco’s latest asset/liability study indicated that a long-term target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% fixed income is consistent with the funds’ financial objectives. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.6% for 2017 and will be 7.6% for 2018. This expected return was determined based on the study discussed above, including a premium for active management.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Plan Contributions
Servco plans to contribute $40 million into its pension plan during 2018.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following pension benefit and postretirement benefit payments are expected to be paid to Servco’s plan participants:
Servco 401(k) Plans
Servco sponsors two 401(k) plans, which are defined contribution retirement plans subject to ERISA. Eligible non-represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan I (Thrift Plan I), and eligible represented employees of Servco participate in the Long Island Electric Utility Servco LLC Incentive Thrift Plan II (Thrift Plan II). Participants in the Plans may contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation to these plans, not to exceed the IRS maximums, including any Catch-Up Contributions for those employees age 50 and above. Servco does not provide an employer match or core contribution for employees in Thrift Plan II. For employees in Thrift Plan I, Servco matches 50% of such employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation and provides core contributions (based on years of service and age) to employees who do not participate in Servco’s Retirement Income Plan. The amounts expensed by Servco for employer matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $6 million, $5 million and $4 million, respectively, and pursuant to the OSA, Servco recognizes Operating Revenues for the reimbursement of these costs.
Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guaranteed Obligations
Power’s activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of energy and related products under transportation, physical, financial and forward contracts at fixed and variable prices. These transactions are with numerous counterparties and brokers that may require cash, cash-related instruments or guarantees as a form of collateral.
Power has unconditionally guaranteed payments to counterparties by its subsidiaries in commodity-related transactions in order to
•
support current exposure, interest and other costs on sums due and payable in the ordinary course of business, and
•
obtain credit.
Power is subject to
•
counterparty collateral calls related to commodity contracts, and
•
certain creditworthiness standards as guarantor under performance guarantees of its subsidiaries.
Under these agreements, guarantees cover lines of credit between entities and are often reciprocal in nature. The exposure between counterparties can move in either direction.
In order for Power to incur a liability for the face value of the outstanding guarantees, its subsidiaries would have to
•
fully utilize the credit granted to them by every counterparty to whom Power has provided a guarantee, and
•
the net position of the related contracts would have to be “out-of-the-money” (if the contracts are terminated, Power would owe money to the counterparties).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Power believes the probability of this result is unlikely. For this reason, Power believes that the current exposure at any point in time is a more meaningful representation of the potential liability under these guarantees. Current exposure consists of the net of accounts receivable and accounts payable and the forward value on open positions, less any collateral posted.
Changes in commodity prices can have a material impact on collateral requirements under such contracts, which are posted and received primarily in the form of cash and letters of credit. Power also routinely enters into futures and options transactions for electricity and natural gas as part of its operations. These futures contracts usually require a cash margin deposit with brokers, which can change based on market movement and in accordance with exchange rules.
In addition to the guarantees discussed above, Power has also provided payment guarantees to third parties on behalf of its affiliated companies. These guarantees support various other non-commodity related contractual obligations.
The following table shows the face value of Power’s outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
As part of determining credit exposure, Power nets receivables and payables with the corresponding net energy contract balances. See Note 16. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion. In accordance with PSEG’s accounting policy, where it is applicable, cash (received)/deposited is allocated against derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty on the face of the Balance Sheet. The remaining balances of net cash (received)/deposited after allocation are generally included in Accounts Payable and Receivable, respectively.
In addition to amounts for outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions, PSEG and Power had posted letters of credit to support Power’s various other non-energy contractual and environmental obligations. See preceding table. In June 2017, Power sold its minority interest in PennEast and upon disposition, PSEG’s $106 million guarantee that had supported Power’s payment obligations related to PennEast was terminated.
Environmental Matters
Passaic River
Historic operations of PSEG companies and the operations of hundreds of other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex in violation of various statutes as discussed as follows.
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that a 17-mile stretch of the lower Passaic River from Newark to Clifton, New Jersey is a “Superfund” site under CERCLA and a comprehensive study of the entire 17 miles of the lower Passaic River needed to be performed. PSE&G and certain of its predecessors conducted operations at properties in this area of the Passaic River. The properties included one operating electric generating station (Essex Site), which was transferred to Power, one former generating station and four former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In early 2007, certain Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), including PSE&G and Power, formed a Cooperating Parties Group (CPG) and agreed to assume responsibility for conducting a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) of the 17 miles of the lower Passaic River. The CPG has agreed to allocate, on an interim basis, the associated costs of the RI/FS among its members on the basis of a mutually agreed upon formula. For the purpose of this interim allocation, which has been revised as parties have exited the CPG, approximately 7.6 percent of the RI/FS costs are currently deemed attributable to PSE&G’s former MGP sites and approximately 1.9 percent is attributable to Power’s generating stations. These interim allocations are not binding on PSE&G or Power in terms of their respective shares of the costs that will be ultimately required to remediate the 17 miles of the lower Passaic River. PSEG has provided notice to insurers concerning this potential claim. Certain PRPs are currently involved in discussions with the EPA regarding cost allocations and related indemnification matters. We cannot predict the outcome of these discussions, or whether individual PRPs will be able to meet their obligations, either of which could have a material impact on PSE&G’s and Power’s allocation of costs.
The CPG’s draft FS set forth various alternatives for remediating the lower Passaic River with an estimated cost to remediate the lower 17 miles of the Passaic River ranging from approximately $518 million to $3.2 billion on an undiscounted basis.
In March 2016, the EPA released its Record of Decision (ROD) for the EPA’s own Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) which requires the removal of 3.5 million cubic yards of sediment from the Passaic River’s lower 8.3 miles at an estimated cost of $2.3 billion on an undiscounted basis (ROD Remedy). The EPA estimates the total project length to be about 11 years, including a one year period of negotiation with the PRPs, three to four years to design the project and six years for implementation. Occidental Chemical Corporation, one of the PRPs, has committed to perform the remedial design required by the ROD Remedy, reserving its right of cost contribution from all other PRPs.
In September 2017, the EPA concluded that an Agency-commenced allocation process for the Passaic River’s lower 8.3 miles should include only certain PRPs. The allocation is intended to lead to a consent decree in which certain of the PRPs agree to perform the remedial action under EPA oversight. Discussions on the matter are ongoing. Conversations between the EPA and the PRPs regarding remediation of the Passaic River’s upper 9 miles are ongoing.
Based upon (i) the estimated cost of the ROD Remedy, (ii) PSEG’s estimate of PSE&G’s and Power’s shares of that cost, and (iii) the continued ability of PSE&G to recover such costs in its rates, as of December 31, 2017, PSEG has accrued approximately $57 million. Of this amount $46 million has been accrued by PSE&G as an Environmental Costs Liability and a corresponding Regulatory Asset and $11 million has been accrued by Power as an Other Noncurrent Liability with the corresponding O&M Expense recorded in the periods when the liability was accrued.
The EPA has broad authority to implement its selected remedy through the ROD and PSEG cannot at this time predict how the implementation of the ROD might impact PSE&G’s and Power’s ultimate liability. Until (i) the RI/FS, which covers the entire 17 miles of the lower Passaic River, is finalized either in whole or in part, (ii) an agreement by the PRPs to perform either the ROD Remedy as issued, or an amended ROD Remedy determined through negotiation or litigation, and an agreed upon remedy for the remaining 8.7 miles of the river, are reached, (iii) PSE&G’s and Power’s respective shares of the costs, both in the aggregate as well as individually, are determined, and (iv) PSE&G’s continued ability to recover the costs in its rates is determined, it is not possible to predict this matter’s ultimate impact on PSEG’s financial statements. It is possible that PSE&G and Power will record additional costs beyond what they have accrued, and that such costs could be material, but PSEG cannot at the current time estimate the amount or range of any additional costs.
Natural Resource Damage Claims
In 2003, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) directed PSEG, PSE&G and 56 other PRPs to arrange for a natural resource damage assessment and interim compensatory restoration of natural resource injuries along the lower Passaic River and its tributaries pursuant to the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act. The NJDEP alleged that hazardous substances had been discharged from the Essex Site and the Harrison Site. The NJDEP estimated the cost of interim natural resource injury restoration activities along the lower Passaic River at approximately $950 million. In 2007, agencies of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of the Interior (the Passaic River federal trustees) sent letters to PSE&G and other PRPs inviting participation in an assessment of injuries to natural resources that the agencies intended to perform. In 2008, PSEG and a number of other PRPs agreed to share certain immaterial costs the trustees have incurred and will incur going forward, and to work with the trustees to explore whether some or all of the trustees’ claims can be resolved in a cooperative fashion. That effort is continuing. PSE&G and Power are unable to estimate their respective portions of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Newark Bay Study Area
The EPA has established the Newark Bay Study Area, which it defines as Newark Bay and portions of the Hackensack River, the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull. In August 2006, the EPA sent PSEG and 11 other entities notices that it considered each of the entities to be a PRP with respect to contamination in the Study Area. The notice letter requested that the PRPs fund an EPA-approved study in the Newark Bay Study Area. The notice stated the EPA’s belief that hazardous substances were released from sites owned by PSEG companies and located on the Hackensack River, including two operating electric generating
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
stations (Hudson and Kearny sites) and one former MGP site. PSEG has participated in and partially funded the second phase of this study. Notices to fund the next phase of the study have been received but PSEG has not consented to fund the third phase. PSE&G and Power are unable to estimate their respective portions of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
MGP Remediation Program
PSE&G is working with the NJDEP to assess, investigate and remediate environmental conditions at its former MGP sites. To date, 38 sites requiring some level of remedial action have been identified. Based on its current studies, PSE&G has determined that the estimated cost to remediate all MGP sites to completion could range between $358 million and $403 million on an undiscounted basis through 2021, including its $46 million share for the Passaic River as discussed above. Since no amount within the range is considered to be most likely, PSE&G has recorded a liability of $358 million as of December 31, 2017. Of this amount, $79 million was recorded in Other Current Liabilities and $279 million was reflected as Environmental Costs in Noncurrent Liabilities. PSE&G has recorded a $358 million Regulatory Asset with respect to these costs. PSE&G periodically updates its studies taking into account any new regulations or new information which could impact future remediation costs and adjusts its recorded liability accordingly. NJDEP, PSEG and EPA representatives have had discussions regarding to what extent sampling in the Passaic River is required to delineate coal tar from MGP sites that abut the Passaic River Superfund site. PSEG cannot determine at this time whether this will have an impact on the Passaic River Superfund remedy.
Clean Water Act (CWA) Permit Renewals
Pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits expire within five years of their effective date. In order to renew these permits, but allow a plant to continue to operate, an owner or operator must file a permit application no later than six months prior to expiration of the permit. States with delegated federal authority for this program manage these permits. The NJDEP manages the permits under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) program. Connecticut and New York also have permits to manage their respective pollutant discharge elimination system programs.
In May 2014, the EPA issued a final cooling water intake rule that establishes requirements for the regulation of cooling water intakes at existing power plants and industrial facilities with a design flow of more than two million gallons of water per day.
The EPA has structured the rule so that each state Permitting Director will continue to consider renewal permits for existing
power facilities on a case by case basis, based on studies related to impingement mortality and entrainment and submit the results with their permit applications to be conducted by the facilities seeking renewal permits.
Several environmental organizations and certain energy industry groups have filed suit under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The cases have been consolidated at the Second Circuit and a decision remains pending.
In June 2016, the NJDEP issued a final NJPDES permit for Salem. The final permit does not mandate specific service water system modifications, but consistent with Section 316 (b) of the CWA, it requires additional studies and the selection of technology to address impingement for the service water system. The final permit does not mandate specific service water system modifications but, it requires additional studies and the selection of technology to address impingement for the service water system. In July 2016, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (Riverkeeper) filed a request challenging the NJDEP’s issuance of the final NJPDES renewal permit for Salem. NJDEP has granted the hearing request, but it has not yet been scheduled. The Riverkeeper’s filing does not change the effective date of the permit. If the Riverkeeper’s challenge were successful, Power may be required to incur additional costs to comply with the CWA. Potential cooling water system modification costs could be material and could adversely impact the economic competitiveness of this facility.
State permitting decisions at Bridgeport and possibly New Haven could also have a material impact on Power’s ability to renew permits at its existing larger once-through cooled plants without making significant upgrades to existing intakes and cooling systems.
Power is unable to predict the outcome of these permitting decisions and the effect, if any, that they may have on Power’s future capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.
Power is actively engaged with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) regarding renewal of the current permit for the cooling water intake structure at Bridgeport Harbor Station Unit 3 (BH3). To address compliance with the EPA’s CWA Section 316(b) final rule, Power has proposed to continue to operate BH3 without making the capital expenditures for modification to the existing intake structure and retire BH3 in 2021, which is four years earlier than the previously estimated useful life ending in 2025. Power is currently awaiting action by the CTDEEP to issue a draft and then a final permit.
Power has negotiated a Community Environmental Benefit Agreement (CEBA) with the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut and local community organizations. That CEBA provides that Power would retire BH3 early if all of its conditions precedent occur, which include receipt of all final permits to build and operate a proposed new combined cycle generating facility on the same
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
site that BH3 currently operates. Absent those conditions being met, and the permit for the cooling water intake structure referred to above not being issued, Power may seek to operate BH3 through the previously estimated useful life.
In February 2016, the proposed new generating facility at Bridgeport Harbor was awarded a capacity obligation. The Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) issued an order to approve siting Bridgeport Harbor Station unit 5 (BH5). All major environmental permits have been received; however, secondary approvals are still being obtained to allow operations to begin in mid-2019. Power’s obligations under the CEBA are being monitored regularly and carried out as needed.
Bridgeport Harbor National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Compliance
In April 2015, Power determined that monitoring and reporting practices related to certain permitted wastewater discharges at its Bridgeport Harbor station may have violated conditions of the station’s NPDES permit and applicable regulations and could subject it to fines and penalties. Power has notified the CTDEEP of the issues and has taken actions to investigate and resolve the potential non-compliance. Power cannot predict the impact of this matter.
Jersey City, New Jersey Subsurface Feeder Cable Matter
In early October 2016, a discharge of dielectric fluid from subsurface feeder cables located in the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, was identified and reported to the NJDEP. The feeder cables are located within a subsurface easement granted to PSE&G by the property owners, Newport Associates Development Company (NADC) and Newport Associates Phase I Developer Limited Partnership. The feeder cables are subject to agreements between PSE&G and Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) and are jointly owned by PSE&G and Con Edison, with PSE&G owning the portion of the cables located in New Jersey and Con Edison owning the portion of the cables located in New York. The NJDEP has declared an emergency and an emergency response action has been undertaken to investigate, contain, remediate and stop the fluid discharge; to assess, repair and restore the cables to good working order, if feasible; and to restore the property. The regulatory agencies overseeing the emergency response, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the NJDEP and the Army Corps of Engineers, have issued multiple notices, orders and directives to the various parties related to this matter. The impacted cable was repaired in late-September 2017; however, dielectric fluid continues to appear on the surface and so the investigation and response actions related to the fluid discharge are ongoing. PSE&G may determine that retirement of the affected facilities would be appropriate. Also ongoing is the process to determine ultimate responsibility for the costs to address the leak among PSE&G, Con Edison and NADC, including an action filed by PSE&G in New Jersey federal court seeking damages from NADC. In that action, NADC has also pursued counterclaims against PSE&G and Con Edison seeking damages for its costs to address the leak. In addition, NADC provided notice to the New Jersey Secretary of Transportation of several alleged violations by Con Edison and PSE&G of regulations prescribed under the Hazardous Liquids Pipeline Safety Act (HLPSA), a requirement to preserve NADC’s right to pursue injunctive relief under the HLPSA. Based on the information currently available and depending on the outcome of the New Jersey federal action, PSE&G’s portion of the costs to address the leak may be material; however, PSE&G anticipates that it will recover these costs through regulatory proceedings.
Steam Electric Effluent Guidelines
In September 2015, the EPA issued a new Effluent Limitation Guidelines Rule (ELG Rule) for steam electric generating units. The rule establishes new best available technology economically achievable (BAT) standards for fly ash transport water, bottom ash transport water, flue gas desulfurization and flue gas mercury control wastewater. Power’s Bridgeport Harbor station and the jointly-owned Keystone and Conemaugh stations, have bottom ash transport water discharges that are regulated under the ELG Rule. Keystone and Conemaugh also have flue gas desulfurization wastewaters regulated by the ELG Rule.
Through various orders, the EPA has stayed the compliance dates in the ELG Rule and has announced plans to further revise the requirements and compliance dates of the ELG Rule. Power is unable to determine how this will ultimately impact its compliance requirements or its financial condition and results of operations.
Basic Generation Service (BGS) and Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS)
PSE&G obtains its electric supply requirements through the annual New Jersey BGS auctions for two categories of customers who choose not to purchase electric supply from third-party suppliers. The first category, which represents about 80% of PSE&G’s load requirement, is residential and smaller commercial and industrial customers (BGS-Residential Small Commercial Pricing (RSCP)). The second category is larger customers that exceed a BPU-established load (kW) threshold (BGS-Commercial and Industrial Energy Pricing (CIEP)). Pursuant to applicable BPU rules, PSE&G enters into the Supplier Master Agreement with the winners of these BGS auctions following the BPU’s approval of the auction results. PSE&G has entered into contracts with winning BGS suppliers, including Power, to purchase BGS for PSE&G’s load requirements. The winners of the auction (including Power) are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of a PJM Load Serving Entity including the provision of capacity, energy, ancillary services, transmission and any other services required by PJM. BGS suppliers assume all volume risk and customer migration risk and must satisfy New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standards.
The BGS-CIEP auction is for a one-year supply period from June 1 to May 31 with the BGS-CIEP auction price measured in dollars per MW-day for capacity. The final price for the BGS-CIEP auction year commencing June 1, 2018 is $287.76 per MW-
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
day, replacing the BGS-CIEP auction year price ending May 31, 2018 of $276.83 per MW-day. Energy for BGS-CIEP is priced at hourly PJM locational marginal prices for the contract period.
PSE&G contracts for its anticipated BGS-RSCP load on a three-year rolling basis, whereby each year one-third of the load is procured for a three-year period. The contract prices in dollars per MWh for the BGS-RSCP supply, as well as the approximate load, are as follows:
(A)
Prices set in the 2018 BGS auction will become effective on June 1, 2018 when the 2015 BGS auction agreements expire.
Power seeks to mitigate volatility in its results by contracting in advance for the sale of most of its anticipated electric output as well as its anticipated fuel needs. As part of its objective, Power has entered into contracts to directly supply PSE&G and other New Jersey electric distribution companies (EDCs) with a portion of their respective BGS requirements through the New Jersey BGS auction process, described above.
PSE&G has a full-requirements contract with Power to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s gas customers. Power has entered into hedges for a portion of these anticipated BGSS obligations, as permitted by the BPU. The BPU permits PSE&G to recover the cost of gas hedging up to 115 billion cubic feet or 80% of its residential gas supply annual requirements through the BGSS tariff. Current plans call for Power to hedge on behalf of PSE&G approximately 70 billion cubic feet or 50% of its residential gas supply annual requirements. For additional information, see Note 24. Related-Party Transactions.
Minimum Fuel Purchase Requirements
Power’s nuclear fuel strategy is to maintain certain levels of uranium and to make periodic purchases to support such levels. As such, the commitments referred to in the following table may include estimated quantities to be purchased that deviate from contractual nominal quantities. Power’s nuclear fuel commitments cover approximately 100% of its estimated uranium, enrichment and fabrication requirements through 2020 and a significant portion through 2022 at Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom.
Power has various multi-year contracts for natural gas and firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas that are primarily used to meet its obligations to PSE&G. When there is excess delivery capacity available beyond the needs of PSE&G’s customers, Power can use the gas to supply its fossil generating stations.
Power also has various long-term fuel purchase commitments for coal through 2021 to support its fossil generation stations.
As of December 31, 2017, the total minimum purchase requirements included in these commitments were as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Regulatory Proceedings
FERC Compliance
PJM Bidding Matter
In the first quarter of 2014, Power discovered that it incorrectly calculated certain components of its cost-based bids for its New Jersey fossil generating units in the PJM energy market. Upon discovery of the errors, PSEG retained outside counsel to assist in the conduct of an investigation into the matter and self-reported the errors. As the internal investigation proceeded, additional pricing errors in the bids were identified. It was further determined that the quantity of energy that Power offered into the energy market for its fossil peaking units differed from the amount for which Power was compensated in the capacity market for those units. PSEG informed FERC, PJM and the PJM Independent Market Monitor (IMM) of these additional issues, corrected the identified errors, and modified the bid quantities for Power’s peaking units. Power has implemented procedures and continues to review its policies and practices to mitigate the risk of similar issues occurring in the future. During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, based upon its best estimate available at the time, Power recorded a pre-tax charge to income in the amount of $25 million related to this matter.
Since September 2014, FERC Staff has been conducting a preliminary, non-public staff investigation into these matters. While considerable uncertainty remains as to the final resolution of these matters, based upon developments in the investigation in the first quarter of 2017, Power believes the disgorgement and interest costs related to the cost-based bidding matter may range between approximately $35 million and $135 million, depending on the legal interpretation of the principles under the PJM Tariff, plus penalties. Since no point within this range is more likely than any other, Power has accrued the low end of this range of $35 million by recording an additional pre-tax charge to income of $10 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Power is unable to reasonably estimate the range of possible loss, if any, for the quantity of energy offered matter or the penalties that FERC would impose relating to either the cost-based bidding or quantity of energy matter. However, any of these amounts could be individually material to PSEG and Power.
Power continues to believe that it has legal defenses that it may assert in a judicial challenge, including the legal defense that its cost-based bidding in a substantial majority of the hours was below the allowed rate under the Tariff and therefore any errors in those hours did not violate the Tariff or were immaterial. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the quantity of energy offered violated any legal requirement. As a result, PSEG and Power cannot predict the final outcome of these matters.
Other Litigation and Legal Proceedings
PSEG and its subsidiaries are party to various lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. In view of the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such matters, PSEG, PSE&G and Power generally cannot predict the eventual outcome of the pending matters, the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters, or the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, a liability is accrued when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. PSEG will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability that has been previously established.
Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending matters, other than the matters described herein, could have a material adverse effect on PSEG’s, PSE&G’s or Power’s consolidated financial position or liquidity. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of which are beyond PSEG’s control, and the large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to PSEG’s, PSE&G’s or Power’s results of operations or liquidity for any particular reporting period.
Nuclear Insurance Coverages and Assessments
Power is a member of the joint underwriting association, American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), which provides nuclear liability insurance coverage at the Salem and Hope Creek site and the Peach Bottom site. The ANI policies are designed to satisfy the financial protection requirements outlined in the Price-Anderson Act, which sets the limit of liability for claims that could arise from an incident involving any licensed nuclear facility in the United States. The limit of liability per incident per site is composed of primary and excess layers. As of December 31, 2017, nuclear sites were required to purchase $450 million of primary liability coverage for each site (through ANI). The primary layer is supplemented by an excess layer, which is an industry self-insurance pool. In the event a nuclear site, which is part of the industry self-insurance pool, has a claim that exceeds the primary layer, each licensee would be assessed a prorated share of the excess layer. The excess layer limit is $13.4 billion. Power’s maximum aggregate assessment per incident is $401 million (based on Power’s ownership interests in Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom) and its maximum aggregate annual assessment per incident is $60 million. If the damages exceed the limit of liability, Congress could impose further revenue-raising measures on the nuclear industry to pay claims. Further, a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, not involving Power, held that the Price-Anderson Act did not preclude punitive damage awards based on state law claims.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Power is also a member of an industry mutual insurance company, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), which provides the property, decontamination and decommissioning liability insurance at the Salem and Hope Creek site and the Peach Bottom site. NEIL also provides replacement power coverage through its accidental outage policy. NEIL policies may make retrospective premium assessments in the case of adverse loss experience. The current maximum aggregate annual retrospective premium obligation for Power is approximately $76 million. NEIL requires its members to maintain an investment grade credit rating or to ensure collectability of their annual retrospective premium obligation by providing a financial guarantee, letter of credit, deposit premium, or some other means of assurance. Certain provisions in the NEIL policies provide that the insurer may suspend coverage with respect to all nuclear units on a site without notice if the NRC suspends or revokes the operating license for any unit on that site, issues a shutdown order with respect to such unit or issues a confirmatory order keeping such unit down.
The ANI and NEIL policies all include coverage for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. However, NEIL policies are subject to an industry aggregate limit of $3.2 billion plus such additional amounts as NEIL recovers for such losses from reinsurance, indemnity and any other source applicable to such losses.
Minimum Lease Payments
The total future minimum payments under various operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are:
Note 14. Debt and Credit Facilities
Long-Term Debt
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
`
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
Secured by essentially all property of PSE&G pursuant to its First and Refunding Mortgage.
(B)
The Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority (PEDFA) bond that is serviced and secured by Power Pollution Control Notes, is a variable rate bond that is in weekly reset mode.
Long-Term Debt Maturities
The aggregate principal amounts of maturities for each of the five years following December 31, 2017 are as follows:
Long-Term Debt Financing Transactions
During 2017, PSEG and its subsidiaries had the following Long-Term Debt issuances, maturities and redemptions:
PSEG
•
entered into an agreement for a new term loan maturing June 2019. The term loan has a balance of $700 million at an interest rate of 1 month LIBOR + 0.80% and can be terminated at any time without penalty,
•
issued $700 million of 2.65% Senior Notes due November 2022, and
•
redeemed at maturity a $500 million term loan at an interest rate of 1 month LIBOR + 0.875% due November 2017.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PSE&G
•
issued $425 million of 3.00% Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series L due May 2027, and
•
issued $350 million of 3.60% Secured Medium-Term Notes, Series L due December 2047.
Short-Term Liquidity
PSEG meets its short-term liquidity requirements, as well as those of Power, primarily with cash and through the issuance of commercial paper. PSE&G maintains its own separate commercial paper program to meet its short-term liquidity requirements. Each commercial paper program is fully back-stopped by its own separate credit facilities.
The commitments under the $4.2 billion credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group. As of December 31, 2017, the total available credit capacity was $3.5 billion.
As of December 31, 2017, no single institution represented more than 8% of the total commitments in the credit facilities.
As of December 31, 2017, the total credit capacity was in excess of the anticipated maximum liquidity requirements over PSEG’s 12-month planning horizon.
Each of the credit facilities is restricted as to availability and use to the specific companies as listed in the following table; however, if necessary, the PSEG facilities can also be used to support our subsidiaries’ liquidity needs.
The total credit facilities and available liquidity as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:
(A)
The primary use of PSEG’s and PSE&G’s credit facilities is to support their respective Commercial Paper Programs under which as of December 31, 2017, PSEG had $542 million outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.89%. PSE&G had no amounts outstanding under its Commercial Paper Program as of December 31, 2017.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fair Value of Debt
The estimated fair values, carrying amounts and methods used to determine fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are included in the following table and accompanying notes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. See Note 17. Fair Value Measurements for more information on fair value guidance and the hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurements into three levels.
(A)
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, fair value includes floating rate term loans of $700 million and $500 million, respectively. The fair values of the term loan debt (Level 2 measurement) approximate the carrying values because the interest payments are based on LIBOR rates that are reset monthly and the debt is redeemable at face value by PSEG at any time.
(B)
Given that these bonds do not trade actively, the fair value amounts of taxable debt securities (primarily Level 2 measurements) are generally determined by a valuation model that is based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilizes assumptions of current market pricing curves. In order to incorporate the credit risk into the discount rates, pricing is obtained (i.e. U.S. Treasury rate plus credit spread) based on expected new issue pricing across each of the companies’ respective debt maturity spectrum. The credit spreads of various tenors obtained from this information are added to the appropriate benchmark U.S. Treasury rates in order to determine the current market yields for the various tenors. The yields are then converted into discount rates of various tenors that are used for discounting the respective cash flows of the same tenor for each bond or note.
Note 15. Schedule of Consolidated Capital Stock
(A)
PSEG did not issue any new shares under the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRASPP) or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) in 2017 or 2016.
As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G had an aggregate of 7.5 million shares of $100 par value and 10 million shares of $25 par value Cumulative Preferred Stock, which were authorized and unissued and which, upon issuance, may or may not provide for mandatory sinking fund redemption.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 16. Financial Risk Management Activities
Derivative accounting guidance requires that a derivative instrument be recognized as either an asset or a liability at fair value, with changes in fair value of the derivative recognized in earnings each period. Other accounting treatments are available through special election and designation provided that the derivative instrument meets specific, restrictive criteria, both at the time of designation and on an ongoing basis. These alternative permissible treatments include NPNS, cash flow hedge and fair value hedge accounting. PSEG, Power and PSE&G have applied the NPNS scope exception to certain derivative contracts for the forward sale of generation, power procurement agreements and fuel agreements. PSEG uses interest rate swaps and other derivatives, which are designated and effective as cash flow or fair value hedges. Power and PSE&G enter into additional contracts that are derivatives, but are not designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. These transactions are economic hedges and are recorded at fair market value.
Commodity Prices
Within PSEG and its affiliate companies, Power has the most exposure to commodity price risk. Power is exposed to commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity, fossil fuels and other commodities. Fluctuations in market prices result from changes in supply and demand, fuel costs, market conditions, weather, state and federal regulatory policies, environmental policies, transmission availability and other factors. Power uses a variety of derivative and non-derivative instruments, such as financial options, futures, swaps, fuel purchases and forward purchases and sales of electricity, to manage the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and optimize the value of Power’s expected generation. Power also uses derivatives to hedge a portion of its anticipated BGSS obligations with PSE&G. For additional information see Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities. Changes in the fair market value of these derivative contracts are recorded in earnings.
Interest Rates
PSEG, Power and PSE&G are subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Exposure to this risk is managed by targeting a balanced debt maturity profile which limits refinancing in any given period or interest rate environment. In addition, they have used a mix of fixed and floating rate debt and interest rate swaps.
Fair Value Hedges
PSEG enters into fair value hedges to convert fixed-rate debt into variable-rate debt. The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are fully offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying forecasted interest payments of the debt. There were no outstanding interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. The fair value hedges reduced interest expense by $6 million and $19 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Cash Flow Hedges
PSEG uses interest rate swaps and other derivatives, which are designated and effective as cash flow hedges, to manage its exposure to the variability of cash flows, primarily related to variable-rate debt instruments. There were no outstanding interest rate hedges as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, PSEG had interest rate hedges outstanding totaling $500 million. These hedges converted PSEG’s $500 million variable rate term loan due November 2017 into a fixed rate loan. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of these hedges was $1 million and there was no ineffectiveness. The Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (after tax) related to existing and terminated interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial as of December 31, 2017 and $2 million as of December 31, 2016. The after-tax unrealized gains on these hedges expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months is immaterial.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
The following are the fair values of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables also include disclosures for offsetting derivative assets and liabilities which are subject to a master netting or similar agreement. In general, the terms of the agreements provide that in the event of an early termination the counterparties have the right to offset amounts owed or owing under that and any other agreement with the same counterparty. Accordingly, and in accordance with PSEG’s accounting policy, these positions are offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Power and PSEG. For additional information see Note 17. Fair Value Measurements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tabular disclosure does not include the offsetting of trade receivables and payables.
(A)
Substantially all of Power's and PSEG's derivative instruments are contracts subject to master netting agreements. Contracts not subject to master netting or similar agreements are immaterial and did not have any collateral posted or received as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. PSE&G does not have any derivative contracts subject to master netting or similar agreements.
(B)
Represents the netting of fair value balances with the same counterparty (where the right of offset exists) and the application of collateral. All cash collateral received or posted that has been allocated to derivative positions, where the right of offset exists, has been offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017, and 2016, Power had net cash collateral/margin payments to counterparties of $146 million and $56 million,
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
respectively. Of these net cash collateral/margin payments, $44 million as of December 31, 2017 and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 were netted against the corresponding net derivative contract positions. Of the $44 million as of December 31, 2017, $(3) million was netted against current assets, $28 million was netted against current liabilities and $19 million was netted against noncurrent liabilities. Of the $1 million as of December 31, 2016, $(3) million was netted against noncurrent assets and $4 million was netted against current liabilities.
Certain of Power’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require Power to post collateral. This collateral may be posted in the form of cash or credit support with thresholds contingent upon Power’s credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. The collateral and credit support requirements vary by contract and by counterparty. These credit risk-related contingent features stipulate that if Power were to be downgraded to a below investment grade rating by S&P or Moody’s, it would be required to provide additional collateral. A below investment grade credit rating for Power would represent a three level downgrade from its current S&P or Moody’s ratings. This incremental collateral requirement can offset collateral requirements related to other derivative instruments that are assets with the same counterparty, where the contractual right of offset exists under applicable master agreements. Power also enters into commodity transactions on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). The NYMEX and ICE clearing houses act as counterparties to each trade. Transactions on the NYMEX and ICE must adhere to comprehensive collateral and margin requirements.
The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a liability position that are not fully collateralized (excluding transactions on the NYMEX and ICE that are fully collateralized) was $30 million and $19 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Power had the contractual right of offset of $13 million and $9 million, respectively, related to derivative instruments that are assets with the same counterparty under master agreements and net of margin posted. If Power had been downgraded to a below investment grade rating, it would have had additional collateral obligations of $17 million and $10 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to its derivatives, net of the contractual right of offset under master agreements and the application of collateral.
The following shows the effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
There were no pre-tax gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion) as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following reconciles the AOCI for derivative activity included in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of PSEG on a pre-tax and after-tax basis.
The following shows the effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments or as NPNS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Power’s derivative contracts reflected in this table include contracts to hedge the purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas, and the purchase of fuel. The table does not include contracts which Power has designated as NPNS, such as its BGS contracts and certain other energy supply contracts that it has with other utilities and companies with retail load.
The following table summarizes the net notional volume purchases/(sales) of open derivative transactions by commodity as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that Power would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. PSEG has established credit policies that it believes significantly minimize credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of potential counterparties’ financial condition (including credit rating), collateral requirements under certain circumstances and the use of standardized agreements, which allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures associated with a single counterparty. In the event of non-performance or non-payment by a major counterparty, there may be a material adverse impact on Power’s and PSEG’s financial condition, results of operations or net cash flows.
As of December 31, 2017, 99% of the net credit exposure for Power’s operations was with investment grade counterparties. Credit exposure is defined as any positive results of netting accounts receivable/accounts payable and the forward value of open positions (which includes all financial instruments including derivatives, NPNS and non-derivatives).
The following table provides information on Power’s credit risk from others, net of collateral, as of December 31, 2017. It further delineates that exposure by the credit rating of the counterparties, which is determined by the lowest rating from S&P, Moody’s or an internal scoring model. In addition, it provides guidance on the concentration of credit risk to individual counterparties and an indication of the quality of Power’s credit risk by credit rating of the counterparties.
(A)
Represents net exposure with PSE&G.
As of December 31, 2017, collateral held from counterparties where Power had credit exposure included $1 million in cash collateral and $25 million in letters of credit.
As of December 31, 2017, Power had 152 active counterparties.
PSE&G’s supplier master agreements are approved by the BPU and govern the terms of its electric supply procurement contracts. These agreements define a supplier’s performance assurance requirements and allow a supplier to meet its credit requirements with a certain amount of unsecured credit. The amount of unsecured credit is determined based on the supplier’s credit ratings from the major credit rating agencies and the supplier’s tangible net worth. The credit position is based on the initial market price, which is the forward price of energy on the day the procurement transaction is executed, compared to the forward price curve for energy on the valuation day. To the extent that the forward price curve for energy exceeds the initial market price, the supplier is required to post a parental guaranty or other security instrument such as a letter of credit or cash, as collateral to the extent the credit exposure is greater than the supplier’s unsecured credit limit. As of December 31, 2017, primarily all of the posted collateral was in the form of parental guarantees. The unsecured credit used by the suppliers represents PSE&G’s net credit exposure. PSE&G’s BGS suppliers’ credit exposure is calculated each business day. As of December 31, 2017, PSE&G had no net credit exposure with suppliers, including Power.
PSE&G is permitted to recover its costs of procuring energy through the BPU-approved BGS tariffs. PSE&G’s counterparty credit risk is mitigated by its ability to recover realized energy costs through customer rates.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 17. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting guidance for fair value measurement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data obtained from independent sources and those based on an entity’s own assumptions. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to fair value measurement into three levels:
Level 1-measurements utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that PSEG, PSE&G and Power have the ability to access. These consist primarily of listed equity securities and money market mutual funds, as well as natural gas futures contracts executed on NYMEX.
Level 2-measurements include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and other observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. These consist primarily of non-exchange traded derivatives such as forward contracts or options and most fixed income securities.
Level 3-measurements use unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities, based on the best information available and might include an entity’s own data and assumptions. In some valuations, the inputs used may fall into different levels of the hierarchy. In these cases, the financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. As of December 31, 2017, these consisted primarily of certain electric load contracts and gas contracts.
Certain derivative transactions may transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 if inputs become unobservable and internal modeling techniques are employed to determine fair value. Conversely, measurements may transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 if the inputs become observable.
The following tables present information about PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and Power’s respective assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, including the fair value measurements and the levels of inputs used in determining those fair values. Amounts shown for PSEG include the amounts shown for PSE&G and Power.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
Represents money market mutual funds.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(B)
Level 1-During 2016 a net fair value of $1 million relating to energy-related contracts was transferred from Level 2 into Level 1. These contracts represent natural gas futures contracts executed on NYMEX, and are being valued solely on settled pricing inputs which come directly from the exchange.
Level 2-Fair values for energy-related contracts are obtained primarily using a market-based approach. Most derivative contracts (forward purchase or sale contracts and swaps) are valued using settled prices from similar assets and liabilities from an exchange, such as NYMEX, ICE and Nodal Exchange, or auction prices. Prices used in the valuation process are also corroborated independently by management to determine that values are based on actual transaction data or, in the absence of transactions, bid and offers for the day. Examples may include certain exchange and non-exchange traded capacity and electricity contracts and natural gas physical or swap contracts based on market prices, basis adjustments and other premiums where adjustments and premiums are not considered significant to the overall inputs.
Level 3-Unobservable inputs are used for the valuation of certain contracts. See “Additional Information Regarding Level 3 Measurements” below for more information on the utilization of unobservable inputs.
(C)
Interest rate swaps are valued using quoted prices on commonly quoted intervals, which are interpolated for periods different than the quoted intervals, as inputs to a market valuation model. Market inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.
(D)
As of December 31, 2016, the fair value measurement table excludes cash of $1 million, which is part of the NDT Fund. The NDT Fund maintains investments in various equity and fixed income securities classified as “available for sale.” The Rabbi Trust maintains investments in a Russell 3000 index fund and various fixed income securities classified as “available for sale” as of December 31, 2017. The Rabbi Trust maintained investments in an S&P 500 index fund and various securities classified as “available for sale” as of December 31, 2016. These securities are generally valued with prices that are either exchange provided (equity securities) or market transactions for comparable securities and/or broker quotes (fixed income securities).
Level 1-Investments in marketable equity securities within the NDT Fund are primarily investments in common stocks across a broad range of industries and sectors. Most equity securities are priced utilizing the principal market close price or, in some cases, midpoint, bid or ask price. Other Securities in the NDT and Rabbi Trust Funds consist primarily of investments in Dreyfus money market funds which seek a high level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity. To pursue its goals, the fund normally invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities and government securities. The funds’ Net Asset Value is priced and published daily. The Rabbi Trust equity index fund is valued based on quoted prices in an active market.
Level 2-NDT and Rabbi Trust fixed income securities include investment grade corporate bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities and certain government and U.S. Treasury obligations or Federal Agency asset-backed securities and municipal bonds with a wide range of maturities. Since many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, they are priced using an evaluated pricing methodology that varies by asset class and reflects observable market information such as the most recent exchange price or quoted bid for similar securities. Market-based standard inputs typically include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads. The preferred stocks are not actively traded on a daily basis and therefore, are also priced using an evaluated pricing methodology. Certain short-term investments are valued using observable market prices or market parameters such as time-to-maturity, coupon rate, quality rating and current yield.
(E)
Represents the netting of fair value balances with the same counterparty (where the right of offset exists) and the application of collateral. All cash collateral received or posted that has been allocated to derivative positions, where the right of offset exists, has been offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Power had net cash collateral/margin payments to counterparties of $146 million and $56 million, respectively. Of these net cash collateral/margin payments $44 million as of December 31, 2017 and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 were netted against the corresponding net derivative contract positions. Of the $44 million of cash collateral as of December 31, 2017, $(3) million was netted against assets, and $47 million was netted against liabilities. Of the $1 million of cash collateral as of December 31, 2016, $(3) million was netted against assets and $4 million was netted against liabilities.
Additional Information Regarding Level 3 Measurements
For valuations that include both observable and unobservable inputs, if the unobservable input is determined to be significant to the overall inputs, the entire valuation is categorized in Level 3. This includes derivatives valued using indicative price quotations for contracts with tenors that extend into periods with no observable pricing. In instances where observable data is unavailable, consideration is given to the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility and contract duration. Such instruments are categorized in
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Level 3 because the model inputs generally are not observable. PSEG’s Risk Management Committee (RMC) approves risk management policies and objectives for risk assessment, control and valuation, counterparty credit approval and the monitoring and reporting of risk exposures. The RMC reports to the Corporate Governance and Audit Committees of the PSEG Board of Directors on the scope of the risk management activities and is responsible for approving all valuation procedures at PSEG. Forward price curves for the power market utilized by Power to manage the portfolio are maintained and reviewed by PSEG’s Enterprise Risk Management market pricing group and used for financial reporting purposes. PSEG considers credit and nonperformance risk in the valuation of derivative contracts categorized in Levels 2 and 3, including both historical and current market data, in its assessment of credit and nonperformance risk by counterparty. The impacts of credit and nonperformance risk were not material to the financial statements.
For PSE&G, the natural gas supply contract is measured at fair value using modeling techniques taking into account the current price of natural gas adjusted for appropriate risk factors, as applicable, and internal assumptions about transportation costs, and accordingly, the fair value measurements are classified in Level 3. The fair value of Power’s electric load contracts in which load consumption may change hourly based on demand are measured using certain unobservable inputs, such as historic load variability and, accordingly, are categorized as Level 3. The fair value of Power’s gas physical contracts at certain illiquid delivery locations are measured using average historical basis and, accordingly, are categorized as Level 3. While these gas physical contracts have an unobservable component in their respective forward price curves, the fluctuations in fair value have been driven primarily by changes in the observable inputs. The following tables provide details surrounding significant Level 3 valuations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(A)
Includes gas positions which were immaterial.
Significant unobservable inputs listed above would have a direct impact on the fair values of the above Level 3 instruments if they were adjusted. For energy-related contracts in cases where Power is a seller, an increase in the load variability would
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
decrease the fair value. For gas-related contracts in cases where Power is a buyer, an increase in the average historical basis would increase the fair value.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 derivative contracts and securities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, follows:
Changes in Level 3 Assets and (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
for the Year Ended December 31, 2017
Changes in Level 3 Assets and (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
for the Year Ended December 31, 2016
(A)
PSEG’s and Power’s gains(losses) attributable to changes in net derivative assets and liabilities for 2017 include $14 million in Operating Revenues, of which $(9) million is unrealized and $12 million in Energy Costs, all of which is unrealized. For 2016, $25 million is included in Operating Revenues, of which $(5) million is unrealized, and $(12)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
million is in Energy Costs, all of which is realized.
(B)
Mainly includes gains/losses on PSE&G’s derivative contracts that are not included in either earnings or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, as they are deferred as a Regulatory Asset/Liability and are expected to be recovered from/returned to PSE&G’s customers.
(C)
Represents $(24) million and $(21) million in settlements for derivative contracts in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(D)
During the year ended December 31, 2017, $(1) million of net derivatives assets/liabilities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3.
As of December 31, 2017, PSEG carried $2.6 billion of net assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, of which $7 million of net assets were measured using unobservable inputs and classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
As of December 31, 2016, PSEG carried $2.6 billion of net assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, of which $1 million of net assets were measured using unobservable inputs and classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Note 18. Stock Based Compensation
PSEG’s Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) is a broad-based equity compensation program that provides for grants of various long-term incentive compensation awards, such as stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock, restricted stock units, cash awards or any combination thereof. The types of long-term incentive awards that have been granted and remain outstanding under the LTIP are non-qualified options to purchase shares of PSEG’s common stock, restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards. The type of equity award that is granted and the details of that award may vary from time to time and is subject to the approval of the Organization and Compensation Committee of PSEG’s Board of Directors (O&CC), the LTIP’s administrative committee.
The LTIP currently provides for the issuance of equity awards with respect to approximately 16 million shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 14 million shares available for future awards under the LTIP.
Stock Options
Under the LTIP, non-qualified options to acquire shares of PSEG common stock may be granted to officers and other key employees selected by the O&CC. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of PSEG’s common stock at the grant date. The options generally vest over four years of continuous service. Vesting schedules may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a change-in-control (unless substituted with an equity award of equal value), retirement, death or disability. Options are exercisable over a period of time designated by the O&CC (but not prior to one year or longer than ten years from the date of grant) and are subject to such other terms and conditions as the O&CC determines. Payment by option holders upon exercise of an option may be made in cash or, with the consent of the O&CC, by delivering previously acquired shares of PSEG common stock. No options have been issued since 2009.
Restricted Stock Units
Under the LTIP, PSEG has granted restricted stock unit awards to officers and other key employees. These awards, which are bookkeeping entries only, are subject to risk of forfeiture until vested by continued employment. Until distributed, the units are credited with dividend equivalents proportionate to the dividends paid on PSEG common stock. Distributions are made in shares of common stock. The restricted stock unit grants for 2017 and 2016 generally vest at the end of three years. Vesting may be accelerated (pro-rated basis or full vesting) upon certain events such as retirement, disability, change-in-control or death.
Performance Share Units
Under the LTIP, PSEG has granted performance share units to officers and other key employees. These provide for payment in shares of PSEG common stock based on achievement of certain financial goals over a three-year performance period. Following the end of the performance period, the payout varies from 0% to 200% of the number of performance units granted depending on PSEG’s performance with respect to certain financial targets, including targets related to comparative performance against other companies in a peer group of energy companies. The performance share units are credited with dividend equivalents proportionate to the dividends paid on PSEG common stock. Distributions are made in shares of common stock. Vesting may be accelerated on a pro-rated basis for the period of the employee’s service during the performance period as a result of certain events, such as change-in-control (unless substituted with an equity award of equal value), retirement, death or disability.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock-Based Compensation
PSEG recognizes compensation expense for stock options based on their grant date fair values, which are determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock option awards are expensed on a tranche-specific basis over the requisite service period of the award. Ultimately, compensation expense for stock options is recognized for awards that vest.
PSEG recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock units over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of the shares, which is equal to the market price of PSEG’s common stock on the date of the grant.
PSEG recognizes compensation expense for the total shareholder return target for its performance share unit awards based on the grant date fair values of the award, which are determined using the Monte Carlo model. The accrual of compensation cost is based on the probable achievement of the performance conditions, which result in a payout from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. PSEG recognizes compensation expense for the return on invested capital target for its performance share units based on the grant date fair value of the awards, which is equal to the market price of PSEG’s common stock on the date of the grant. The accrual during the year of grant is estimated at 100% of the original grant. Such accrual may be adjusted to reflect the actual outcome.
For 2017, 2016 and 2015 the excess tax benefit of $4 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively was included as financing cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow.
PSEG recognizes compensation cost of awards issued over the shorter of the original vesting period or the period beginning on the date of grant and ending on the date an individual is eligible for retirement and the award vests.
Stock Options
Changes in stock options for 2017 are summarized as follows:
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. There were no option grants in 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Activity for options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is shown below:
No options were vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Restricted Stock Units
Changes in restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:
The weighted average grant date fair value per share for restricted stock during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $44.33, $42.28 and $39.65 per share, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units distributed during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was
$13 million, $17 million and $11 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of ten months. Dividend equivalents units of 30,066 accrued on the restricted stock units during the year.
Performance Share Units
Changes in performance share units for the year ended December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:
The weighted average grant date fair value per share for performance share units during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $45.02, $45.97 and $41.32 per share, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of performance share units distributed during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was
$18 million, $17 million and $13 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $16 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance share units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year. Dividend equivalents units of 38,425 accrued on the performance share units during the year.
Outside Directors
Under the Directors Equity Plan, annually, on the first business day of May, each non-employee member of the Board of Directors is awarded stock units based on the amount of annual compensation to be paid at the closing price of PSEG common stock on that date. Dividend equivalents are credited quarterly and distributions will commence upon the director leaving the Board as specified by him/her in accordance with the provisions of the Directors Equity Plan.
The fair value of these awards is recorded as compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Compensation expense for the plan was immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
PSEG maintains an ESPP for all eligible employees of PSEG and its subsidiaries. Under the ESPP, shares of PSEG common stock may be purchased at 95% of the fair market value for represented employees and 90% for non-represented employees through payroll deductions. Dividends will be reinvested for all employees at 95% of the fair market price unless the participant elects to receive a cash dividend. All employees are required to hold the shares purchased under the ESPP for at least three
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
months from the purchase date. In any year, employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their base pay. Compensation expense recognized under this program was immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, employees purchased 288,527 shares, 262,763 shares and 250,499 shares at an average price of $42.07, $40.70 and $36.66 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, 3.2 million shares were available for future issuance under this plan.
Note 19. Other Income and Deductions
(A)
Other consists of activity at PSEG (as parent company), Energy Holdings, Services, PSEG LI and intercompany eliminations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 20. Income Taxes
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSEG with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSEG:
The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals. Also, the deferred tax effect of AROs is presented net of the deferred tax effect of the associated funding of those obligations.
In December 2017, new tax legislation was enacted, reducing the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. PSEG is subject to ASC 740, which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate was enacted. The impact of the reduced tax rate is the primary reason for the decrease in the deferred tax liabilities.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for PSE&G with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for PSE&G:
The deferred tax effect of certain assets and liabilities is presented in the table above net of the deferred tax effect associated with the respective regulatory deferrals.
In December 2017, new tax legislation was enacted, reducing the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. PSE&G is subject to ASC 740, which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate was enacted. The impact of the reduced tax rate is the primary reason for the decrease in the deferred tax liabilities.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of reported income tax expense for Power with the amount computed by multiplying pre-tax income by the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following is an analysis of deferred income taxes for Power:
In the above table, the deferred tax effect of asset retirement obligations is presented net of the deferred tax effect of the associated funding of those obligations.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power each provide deferred taxes at the enacted statutory tax rate for all temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities irrespective of the treatment for rate-making purposes. Management believes that it is probable that the accumulated tax benefits that previously have been treated as a flow-through item to PSE&G customers will be recovered from or refunded to PSE&G’s customers in the future. See Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities.
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation. The Tax Act establishes new tax laws that will take effect in 2018, including, but not limited to (1) reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%; (2) elimination of the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT); (3) a new limitation on deductible interest expense; (4) the repeal of the domestic production activity deduction; (5) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation; and (6) limitations on net operating losses (NOLs) generated after December 31, 2017, to 80% of taxable income. In addition, certain changes were made to the bonus depreciation rules that will impact 2017.
The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.
PSEG, PSE&G and Power are subject to ASC 740, which requires that the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change is enacted.
The majority of the current period activity was determined using the federal income tax rate of 35% and state income tax rate of 9%. As required under ASC 740, the ending 2017 deferred tax balances were adjusted to reflect the enacted lower tax rate, which resulted in a one-time, provisional deferred tax benefit of $755 million, including $610 million related to Power and $149 million related to Energy Holdings (including other impacts related to the new tax legislation, PSEG’s net non-cash provisional earnings benefit was $745 million, including $588 million related to Power and $147 million related to Energy
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Holdings). In addition, PSE&G had excess deferred taxes of approximately $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2017 and recorded a $2.9 billion revenue impact of these excess deferred taxes as Regulatory Liabilities where it is probable that refunds will be made to customers in future rates. The amount and timing of any such refund cannot be determined at this time.
For certain aspects of the Tax Act, which are discussed below, PSEG, PSE&G and Power made reasonable, good faith estimates for which provisional amounts were recorded.
PSEG’s accounting for the following elements of the Tax Act is incomplete. However, PSEG was able to make reasonable, good faith estimates of certain effects and, therefore, recorded provisional adjustments for the following: the tax rules regarding the appropriate bonus deprecation rate that should be applied to assets placed in service after September 27, 2017 for Power and PSE&G, including the information required to compute the applicable depreciable tax basis, and the impact on PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and Power’s deferred taxes associated with FIN 48 reserves.
Further, the Tax Act is unclear in certain respects and will require interpretations and implementing regulations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as state tax authorities. The Tax Act could also be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections which could impact PSEG, PSE&G and Power’s financial statements.
In December 2015, the U.S. government enacted the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (2015 Tax Act). Among other provisions, the 2015 Tax Act included an extension of the bonus depreciation rules and the 30% ITC for qualified property placed into service after 2016. Qualified property that is placed in service from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017 is eligible for 50% bonus depreciation. The provisions of the 2015 Tax Act have generated significant cash tax benefits for PSEG, PSE&G and Power through tax benefits related to the accelerated depreciation. Those tax benefits would have otherwise been received over an estimated average 20 year period. However, the tax benefits have a negative impact on the rate base of several of PSE&G’s programs.
For the period beginning September 28, 2017, subject to the transition rules, the Tax Act has modified the bonus depreciation rules of the 2015 Tax Act. Subject to further guidance, it is expected that Power will be entitled to 100% expensing and bonus depreciation will no longer apply to PSE&G.
PSEG recorded the following amounts related to its unrecognized tax benefits, which were primarily comprised of amounts recorded for PSE&G, Power and Energy Holdings:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PSEG and its subsidiaries include accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions required to be recorded, as Income Tax Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accumulated interest and penalties that are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on uncertain tax positions were as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
It is reasonably possible that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to either agreements with various taxing authorities upon audit, the expiration of the Statute of Limitations, or other pending tax matters. These potential increases or decreases are as follows:
A description of income tax years that remain subject to examination by material jurisdictions, where an examination has not already concluded are:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 22. Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Dividends
EPS
Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing Net Income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, including shares issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding or vesting of restricted stock awards granted under PSEG’s stock compensation plans and upon payment of performance units or restricted stock units. For additional information on PSEG’s stock compensation plans see Note 18. Stock Based Compensation. The following table shows the effect of these stock options, performance units and restricted stock units on the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in calculating diluted EPS:
There were approximately 0.4 million and 0.5 million stock options excluded from the weighted average common shares used for diluted EPS due to their antidilutive effect for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
For additional information on all the types of long-term incentive awards, see Note 18. Stock Based Compensation.
Dividends
On February 20, 2018, PSEG’s Board of Directors approved a $0.45 per share common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2018.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 23. Financial Information by Business Segment
Basis of Organization
PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and Power’s operating segments were determined by management in accordance with GAAP. These segments were determined based on how management measures performance based on segment Net Income, as illustrated in the following table, and how resources are allocated to each business. PSEG’s reportable segments are PSE&G and Power. PSE&G and Power each represent a single reportable segment and therefore no separate segment information is provided for these Registrants.
PSE&G
PSE&G earns revenues from its tariffs, under which it provides electric transmission and electric and gas distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers in New Jersey. The rates charged for electric transmission are regulated by FERC while the rates charged for electric and gas distribution are regulated by the BPU. Revenues are also earned from several other activities such as solar investments, sundry sales, the appliance service business, wholesale transmission services and other miscellaneous services.
Power
Power earns revenues by selling energy, capacity and ancillary services on a wholesale basis under contract to power marketers and to load serving entities and by bidding energy, capacity and ancillary services into the markets for these products. A significant portion of Power’s revenue is obtained from the various ISOs in which Power operates. The ISOs act similarly to a clearing house for all of its members in that all revenues paid out are collected from market participants based on their consumption of energy and energy-related products. Power also enters into bilateral contracts for energy, capacity, FTRs, gas, emission allowances and other energy-related contracts to optimize the value of its portfolio of generating assets and its electric and gas supply obligations.
Other
This category includes amounts applicable to Energy Holdings and PSEG LI, which are below the quantitative threshold for separate disclosure as reportable segments. Other also includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent corporation) and Services.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
Includes amounts applicable to Energy Holdings and PSEG LI, which are below the quantitative threshold for separate disclosure as reportable segments. Other also includes amounts applicable to PSEG (parent corporation) and Services.
(B)
Intercompany eliminations primarily relate to intercompany transactions between PSE&G and Power. For a further discussion of the intercompany transactions between PSE&G and Power, see Note 24. Related-Party Transactions.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 24. Related-Party Transactions
The following discussion relates to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated during the PSEG consolidation process in accordance with GAAP.
PSE&G
The financial statements for PSE&G include transactions with related parties presented as follows:
Power
The financial statements for Power include transactions with related parties presented as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(A)
PSE&G has entered into a requirements contract with Power under which Power provides the gas supply services needed to meet PSE&G’s BGSS and other contractual requirements. Power has also entered into contracts to supply energy, capacity and ancillary services to PSE&G through the BGS auction process. The rates in the BGS and BGSS contracts are prescribed by the BPU. In addition, Power and PSE&G provide certain technical services for each other generally at cost in compliance with FERC and BPU affiliate rules.
(B)
Services provides and bills administrative services to PSE&G and Power at cost. In addition, PSE&G and Power have other payables to Services, including amounts related to certain common costs, such as pension and OPEB costs, which Services pays on behalf of each of the operating companies.
(C)
PSEG files a consolidated federal income tax return with its affiliated companies. A tax allocation agreement exists between PSEG and each of its affiliated companies. The general operation of these agreements is that the subsidiary company will compute its taxable income on a stand-alone basis. If the result is a net tax liability, such amount shall be paid to PSEG. If there are net operating losses and/or tax credits, the subsidiary shall receive payment for the tax savings from PSEG to the extent that PSEG is able to utilize those benefits.
(D)
PSE&G and Power have advanced working capital to Services. The amounts are included in Other Noncurrent Assets on PSE&G’s and Power’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(E)
Power’s short-term loans with PSEG are for working capital and other short-term needs. Interest Income and Interest Expense relating to these short-term funding activities were immaterial.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 25. Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
The information shown in the following tables, in the opinion of PSEG, PSE&G and Power includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to fairly present such amounts.
(A)
The increases in Operating Income at PSEG consolidated and Power in the fourth quarter 2017 as compared to the same quarter in 2016 were primarily due to higher costs in 2016 related to closing the coal/gas Hudson and Mercer units, which were fully depreciated as of June 1, 2017. The increases in Net Income at PSEG consolidated and Power in the fourth quarter 2017 as compared to the same quarter in 2016 also includes the impact of the remeasurement of deferred tax balances resulting from the enactment of new tax legislation in December 2017. See Note 20. Income Taxes for additional information.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 26. Guarantees of Debt
Power’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by its subsidiaries, PSEG Fossil LLC, PSEG Nuclear LLC and PSEG Energy Resources & Trade LLC. The following tables present condensed financial information for the guarantor subsidiaries, as well as Power’s non-guarantor subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
PSEG, PSE&G and Power
We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported and is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of each respective company, as appropriate, by others within the entities to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We have established a disclosure committee which includes several key management employees and which reports directly to the CFO and CEO of each of PSEG, PSE&G and Power. The committee monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of these disclosure controls and procedures. The CFO and CEO of each of PSEG, PSE&G and Power have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures and, based on this evaluation, have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures at each respective company were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by the report.
Internal Controls
PSEG, PSE&G and Power
We have conducted assessments of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, using the framework promulgated by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as “COSO.” Managements’ reports on PSEG’s, PSE&G’s and Power’s internal control over financial reporting are included on pages 181, 182 and 183, respectively. The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report with respect to the effectiveness of PSEG’s internal control over financial reporting is included on page 184. Management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017.
We continually review our disclosure controls and procedures and make changes, as necessary, to ensure the quality of our financial reporting. There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, each registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING-PSEG
Management of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the SEC in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and implemented by the company’s management and other personnel, with oversight by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles).
PSEG’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of PSEG’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of PSEG are being made only in accordance with authorizations of PSEG’s management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of PSEG’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
In connection with the preparation of PSEG’s annual financial statements, management of PSEG has undertaken an assessment, which includes the design and operational effectiveness of PSEG’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as “COSO”. The COSO framework is based upon five integrated components of control: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communications and ongoing monitoring.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on the assessment performed, management has concluded that PSEG’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and provides reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of PSEG’s financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements as of December 31, 2017 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, management has not identified any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.
PSEG’s external auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have audited PSEG’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 included in this annual report on Form 10-K and, as part of that audit, have issued a report on the effectiveness of PSEG’s internal control over financial reporting, a copy of which is included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2018
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING-PSE&G
Management of Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the SEC in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and implemented by the company’s management and other personnel, with oversight by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of its parent, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles).
PSE&G’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of PSE&G’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of PSE&G are being made only in accordance with authorizations of PSE&G’s management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of PSE&G’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
In connection with the preparation of PSE&G’s annual financial statements, management of PSE&G has undertaken an assessment, which includes the design and operational effectiveness of PSE&G’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as “COSO”. The COSO framework is based upon five integrated components of control: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communications and ongoing monitoring.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on the assessment performed, management has concluded that PSE&G’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and provides reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of PSE&G’s financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements as of December 31, 2017 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, management has not identified any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2018
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING-Power
Management of PSEG Power LLC (Power) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the SEC in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and implemented by the company’s management and other personnel, with oversight by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of its parent, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles).
Power’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of Power’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Power are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Power’s management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Power’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
In connection with the preparation of Power’s annual financial statements, management of Power has undertaken an assessment, which includes the design and operational effectiveness of Power’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as “COSO”. The COSO framework is based upon five integrated components of control: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communications and ongoing monitoring.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on the assessment performed, management has concluded that Power’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and provides reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of Power’s financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements as of December 31, 2017 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, management has not identified any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2018
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated
Newark, New Jersey
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(B)(a) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 of the Company, and our report dated February 26, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting - PSEG. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
February 26, 2018
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Executive Officers
PSEG
The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to executive officers is set forth in Part I. Executive Officers of the Registrant (PSEG).
PSE&G and Power
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Directors
PSEG
The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to (i) present directors of PSEG who are nominees for election as directors at PSEG’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, (ii) the director nomination process, and (iii) the composition of the Audit Committee of the Board, is set forth under the headings “Nominees and Election-Board Composition and Individual Qualifications,” “Nominees and Election-Nomination Process,” and “Corporate Governance-Board Committee Responsibilities-Audit Committee,” respectively, in PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for such Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on or about March 12, 2018 and which information set forth under said heading is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
PSE&G and Power
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Standards of Conduct
Our Standards of Conduct (Standards) is a code of ethics applicable to us and our subsidiaries. The Standards are an integral part of our business conduct compliance program and embody our commitment to conduct operations in accordance with the highest legal and ethical standards. The Standards apply to all of our directors and employees (including PSE&G’s, Power’s, Energy Holdings’ and Services’ respective principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions). Each such person is responsible for understanding and complying with the Standards. The Standards are posted on our website, www.pseg.com/info/investors/governance/document.jsp. We will send you a copy on request.
The Standards establish a set of common expectations for behavior to which each employee must adhere in dealings with investors, customers, fellow employees, competitors, vendors, government officials, the media and all others who may associate their words and actions with us. The Standards have been developed to provide reasonable assurance that, in conducting our business, employees behave ethically and in accordance with the law and do not take advantage of investors, regulators or customers through manipulation, abuse of confidential information or misrepresentation of material facts.
We will post on our website, www.pseg.com/info/investors/governance/document.jsp:
•
Any amendment (other than one that is technical, administrative or non-substantive) that we adopt to our Standards; and
•
Any grant by us of a waiver from the Standards that applies to any director or executive officer and that relates to any element enumerated by the SEC.
In 2017, we did not grant any waivers to the Standards.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
PSEG
The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is set forth under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” in
PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the SEC on or about March 12, 2018 and which information set forth under said heading is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
Power and PSE&G
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
PSEG
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is set forth in PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the SEC on or about March 12, 2018 and such information set forth under such heading is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
Power and PSE&G
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
PSEG
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K with respect to directors, executive officers and certain beneficial owners is set forth under the heading “Security Ownership of Directors, Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” in PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the SEC on or about March 12, 2018 and such information set forth under such heading is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
For information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, see Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Power and PSE&G
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PSEG
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading “Corporate Governance-Transactions with Related Persons” in PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the SEC on or about March 12, 2018 and such information set forth under such heading is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
Power and PSE&G
Omitted pursuant to conditions set forth in General Instruction I of Form 10K.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is set forth under the heading “Fees Billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for 2017 and 2016” in PSEG’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which definitive Proxy Statement is expected to be filed with the SEC on or about March 12, 2018. Such information set forth under such heading is incorporated herein by this reference hereto.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(A) The following Financial Statements are filed as a part of this report:
a.
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows and Stockholders’ Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2017 on pages 77 through 82.
b.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows and Common Stockholder’s Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2017 on pages 83 through 88.
c.
PSEG Power LLC’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows and Capitalization and Member’s Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2017 on pages 89 through 94.
(B) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
a.
PSEG’s Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 (page 193).
b.
PSE&G’s Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 (page 193).
c.
Power’s Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 (page 193).
Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(C) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
LIST OF EXHIBITS:
a.
PSEG:
3a
Certificate of Incorporation Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated(1)
3b
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, effective April 23, 1987(2)
3c
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, effective April 20, 2007(3)
3d
By-Laws of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated effective December 15, 2015(4)
4a
Indenture between Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and First Union National Bank (U.S. Bank National Association, successor), as Trustee, dated January 1, 1998 providing for Deferrable Interest Subordinated Debentures in Series (relating to Quarterly Preferred Securities)(5)
4b
Indenture between Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to First Union National Bank), as Trustee, dated November 1, 1998 providing for Senior Debt Securities(6)
10a(1)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan, dated July 10, 2017(7)
10a(2)
Retirement Income Reinstatement Plan for Non-Represented Employees, dated July 10, 2017(8)
LIST OF EXHIBITS:
10a(3)
Employment Agreement with William Levis dated December 8, 2006(9)
10a(4)
Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, effective July 19, 2011(10)
10a(5)
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, amended January 1, 2018
10a(6)
Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Employees, amended November 1, 2011(11)
10a(7)
1989 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended(12)
10a(8)
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan(13)
10a(9)
Senior Management Incentive Compensation Plan(14)
10a(10)
Key Executive Severance Plan of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, Amended effective November 20, 2017
10a(11)
Severance Agreement with Ralph Izzo dated December 16, 2008(15)
10a(12)
Stock Plan for Outside Directors, as amended(16)
10a(13)
Compensation Plan for Outside Directors(17)
10a(14)
2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 16, 2013(18)
10a(15)
Form of Agreement for Advancement of Expenses with Outside Directors(19)
10a(16)
Equity Deferral Plan, effective November 1, 2011, amended December 9, 2011(20)
10a(17)
Amendment to Employment Agreement with William Levis, dated September 19, 2011(21)
10a(18)
Agreement with Tamara L. Linde dated June 18, 2014(22)
10a(19)
Agreement with Daniel J. Cregg dated September 22, 2015(23)
10a(20)
Clawback Practice, effective February 20, 2018
10a(21)
Agreement with Ralph LaRossa dated June 21, 2017
10a(22)
Agreement with Derek M. DiRisio dated July 15, 2014
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act)
31a
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the 1934 Act
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
32a
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
b.
PSE&G
3a(1)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PSE&G(24)
3a(2)
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PSE&G filed February 18, 1987 with the State of New Jersey adopting limitations of liability provisions in accordance with an amendment to New Jersey Business Corporation Act(25)
3a(3)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PSE&G filed June 17, 1992 with the State of New Jersey, establishing the 7.44% Cumulative Preferred Stock ($100 Par) as a series of Preferred Stock(26)
3a(4)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PSE&G filed March 11, 1993 with the State of New Jersey, establishing the 5.97% Cumulative Preferred Stock ($100 Par) as a series of Preferred Stock(27)
3a(5)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PSE&G filed January 27, 1994 with the State of New Jersey, establishing the 6.92% Cumulative Preferred Stock ($100 Par) and the 6.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock ($25 Par) as a series of Preferred Stock(28)
LIST OF EXHIBITS:
3b(1)
By-Laws of PSE&G as in effect April 17, 2007(29)
4a(1)
Indenture between PSE&G and Fidelity Union Trust Company (now, Wachovia Bank, National Association), as Trustee, dated August 1, 1924(30), securing First and Refunding Mortgage Bond and Supplemental Indentures between PSE&G and U.S. Bank National Association, successor, as Trustee, supplemental to Exhibit 4a(1), dated as follows:
4a(2)
June 1, 1937(31)
4a(3)
July 1, 1937(32)
4a(4)
March 1, 1942(33)
4a(5)
June 1, 1991 (No. 1)(34)
4a(6)
July 1, 1993(35)
4a(7)
August 1, 2004 (No. 4)(36)
4a(8)
April 1, 2007(37)
4a(9)
May 1, 2012(38)
4a(10)
June 1, 2012(39)
4a(11)
May 1, 2013(40)
4a(12)
August 1, 2014(41)
4a(13)
May 1, 2015(42)
4a(14)
September 1, 2016(43)
4b
Indenture of Trust between PSE&G and Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association) (The Bank of New York Mellon, successor), as Trustee, providing for Secured Medium-Term Notes dated July 1, 1993(44)
4c
Indenture dated as of December 1, 2000 between Public Service Electric and Gas Company and First Union National Bank (U.S. Bank National Association, successor), as Trustee, providing for Senior Debt Securities(45)
10a(1)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan, dated July 10, 2017(7)
10a(2)
Retirement Income Reinstatement Plan for Non-Represented Employees, dated July 10, 2017(8)
10a(3)
Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, effective July 19, 2011(10)
10a(4)
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, amended January 1, 2018
10a(5)
Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Employees, amended November 1, 2011(11)
10a(6)
1989 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended(12)
10a(7)
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan(13)
10a(8)
Senior Management Incentive Compensation Plan(14)
10a(9)
Key Executive Severance Plan of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, Amended effective November 20, 2017
10a(10)
Severance Agreement with Ralph Izzo dated December 16, 2008(15)
10a(11)
Stock Plan for Outside Directors, as amended(16)
10a(12)
Compensation Plan for Outside Directors(17)
10a(13)
2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 16, 2013(18)
10a(14)
Form of Agreement for Advancement of Expenses with Outside Directors(46)
10a(15)
Equity Deferral Plan, effective November 1, 2011, amended December 9, 2011(20)
10a(16)
Agreement with Tamara L. Linde dated June 18, 2014(22)
10a(17)
Agreement with Daniel J. Cregg dated September 22, 2015(23)
10a(18)
Clawback Practice, effective February 20, 2018
12a
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges Plus Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements
23a
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31b
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the 1934 Act
31c
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the 1934 Act
32b
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
32c
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
LIST OF EXHIBITS:
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
c.
Power:
3a
Certificate of Formation of PSEG Power LLC(47)
3b
PSEG Power LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement(48)
4a
Indenture dated April 16, 2001 between and among PSEG Power, PSEG Fossil, PSEG Nuclear, PSEG Energy Resources & Trade and The Bank of New York Mellon and form of Subsidiary Guaranty included therein(49)
4b
First Supplemental Indenture, supplemental to Exhibit 4a, dated as of March 13, 2002(50)
10a(1)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan, dated July 10, 2017(7)
10a(2)
Retirement Income Reinstatement Plan for Non-Represented Employees, dated July 10, 2017(8)
10a(3)
Employment Agreement with William Levis dated December 8, 2006(9)
10a(4)
Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Employees, amended November 1, 2011(11)
10a(5)
1989 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended(12)
10a(6)
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan(13)
10a(7)
Senior Management Incentive Compensation Plan(14)
10a(8)
Key Executive Severance Plan of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, Amended effective November 20, 2017
10a(9)
Severance Agreement with Ralph Izzo dated December 16, 2008(15)
10a(10)
2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 16, 2013(18)
10a(11)
Equity Deferral Plan, effective November 1, 2011, amended December 9, 2011(20)
10a(12)
Amendment to Employment Agreement with William Levis, dated September 19, 2011(21)
10a(13)
Agreement with Tamara L. Linde dated June 18, 2014(22)
10a(14)
Agreement with Daniel J. Cregg dated September 22, 2015(23)
10a(15)
Clawback Practice, effective February 20, 2018
10a(16)
Agreement with Ralph LaRossa dated June 21, 2017
12b
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
23b
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31d
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the 1934 Act
31e
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the 1934 Act
32d
Certification by Ralph Izzo, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
32e
Certification by Daniel J. Cregg, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
(1)
Filed as Exhibit 3.1a with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 001-09120, on May 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(2)
Filed as Exhibit 3.1b with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 001-09120, on May 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(3)
Filed as Exhibit 3.1c with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 001-09120, on May 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(4)
Filed as Exhibit 99.1 with Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-09120, on December 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(5)
Filed as Exhibit 4(f) with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, File No. 001-09120, on May 13, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(6)
Filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, File No. 001-09120, on February 23, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference
(7)
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09120, on July 28, 2017 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(8)
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-09120, on July 28, 2017 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(9)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(4) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File Nos. 001-09120 on February 28, 2008 and 000-49614, and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)
Filed as Exhibit 10.5 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-09120, on November 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(11)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(7) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-09120, on February 27, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(12)
Filed as Exhibit 10 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, File No. 001-09120, on November 4, 2002 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(13)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(7) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 001-09120, on March 6, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(14)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(11) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 001-09120, on February 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(15)
Filed as Exhibit 99 with Current Report on Form 8-K, File Nos. 001-09120, 000-49614 and 001-00973, on December 22, 2008 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(16)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(17) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 001-09120, on February 26, 2003 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(17)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(20) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 001-09120, on February 26, 2003 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(18)
Filed as Exhibit 10 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, File No. 001-09120, on May 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.
(19)
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 with Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-09120, on February 19, 2009 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(20)
Filed as Exhibit 10a(19) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-09120, on February 27, 2012.
(21)
Filed as Exhibit 10 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, File No. 001-09120, on November 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
(22)
Filed as Exhibit 10a with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-09120, on February 26, 2015.
(23)
Filed as Exhibit 10 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, File No. 001-09120, on October 30, 2015.
(24)
Filed as Exhibit 3(a) with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1986, File No. 001-00973, on August 28, 1986 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(25)
Filed as Exhibit 3a(2) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987, File No. 001-00973, on March 28, 1988 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(26)
Filed as Exhibit 3a(3) on Form 8-A, File No. 001-00973, on February 4, 1994 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(27)
Filed as Exhibit 3a(4) on Form 8-A, File No. 001-00973, on February 4, 1994 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(28)
Filed as Exhibit 3a(5) on Form 8-A, File No. 001-00973, on February 4, 1994 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(29)
Filed as Exhibit 3.3 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, File No. 001-00973, on May 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(30)
Filed as Exhibit 4b(1) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980, File No. 001-00973, on February 18, 1981 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(31)
Filed as Exhibit 4b(3) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980, File No. 001-00973, on February 18, 1981 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(32)
Filed as Exhibit 4b(4) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980, File No. 001-00973, on February 18, 1981 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(33)
Filed as Exhibit 4b(6) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980, File No. 001-00973, on February 18, 1981 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(34)
Filed as Exhibit 4 on Form 8-A, File No. 001-00973, on June 1, 1991 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(35)
Filed as Exhibit 4(i) on Form 8-A, File No. 001-00973, on December 1, 1993 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(36)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(28) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 001-00973, on March 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(37)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(28) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 001-00973, on February 28, 2008 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(38)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(32) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, File No. 001-00973, on February 26, 2013.
(39)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(33) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, File No. 001-00973, on February 26, 2013.
(40)
Filed as Exhibit 4 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, File No. 001-00973, on July 30, 2013.
(41)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(22) with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, File No. 001-09120, on October 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
(42)
Filed as Exhibit 4a(23) with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, File No. 001-09120, on July 31, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference.
(43)
Filed as Exhibit 4(a)(14) with Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-00973, on February 27, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.
(44)
Filed as Exhibit 4 with Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-00973, on December 1, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
(45)
Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-76020, filed on December 27, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(46)
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 with Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-00973, on February 19, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
(47)
Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-69228, filed on September 10, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(48)
Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-69228, filed on September 10, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(49)
Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-69228, filed on September 10, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference.
(50)
Filed as Exhibit 4.7 with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, File No. 000-49614, on May 15, 2002 and incorporated herein by this reference.
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years Ended December 31, 2017-December 31, 2015
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
(A)
Accounts Receivable written off.
(B)
Reduce reserve to appropriate level and to remove obsolete inventory.
(C)
Hudson and Mercer inventory written off.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
(A)
Accounts Receivable written off.
(B)
Reduce reserve to appropriate level and to remove obsolete inventory.
PSEG POWER LLC
(A)
Hudson and Mercer inventory written off.
(B)
Reduce reserve to appropriate level and to remove obsolete inventory.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below:
Term Phrase/Description
Base load
Minimum amount of electric power delivered or required over a given period of time at a constant rate, this is the level of demand that is seen as a minimum during a 24-hour day
BGS
Basic Generation Service
PSE&G is required to provide BGS for all customers in New Jersey who are not supplied by a third-party supplier.
BGS-RSCP
Basic Generation Service-Residential Small Commercial Product
Seasonally adjusted fixed prices charged for a three-year term for electric supply service to smaller industrial and commercial customers and residential customers who are not supplied by a TPS
BGSS
Basic Gas Supply Service
Mechanism approved by the BPU for NJ utilities to recover all commodity costs related to supplying gas to residential customers
BPU
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Agency responsible for regulating public utilities doing business in New Jersey
Capacity
Amount of electricity that can be produced by a specific generating facility
Combined Cycle
A method of generation whereby electricity and process steam are produced from otherwise lost waste heat exiting from one or more combustion turbines. The exiting heat is routed to a conventional boiler or to a heat recovery steam generator for use by a steam turbine in the production of electricity
Congestion
Condition when the available capacity of a transmission line is being closely approached (or exceeded) by the electric power trying to go through it; at such times, alternative power line pathways (or local generators near the load) must be used instead
Distribution
The delivery of electricity to the retail customer’s home, business or industrial facility through low voltage distribution lines
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
A private, not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose, as designated by the SEC, is to develop accounting standards for public companies in the U.S.
FERC
U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Forward contracts
A customized, non-exchange traded contract in which the buyer is obligated to deliver a specified amount of a commodity with a predetermined price formula on a specified future date, at which time payment is due in full
GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Standard framework of guidelines issued by the FASB for financial accounting used in the U.S.
GHG
Greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbon) that trap the heat of the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing the mean global surface temperature of the earth
Hedging
Entering into a contract or transaction designed to reduce exposure to various risks, such as changes in market prices
ISO
Independent System Operator
An independent, regulated entity established to manage a regional electric transmission system in a non-discriminatory manner and to help ensure the safety and reliability of the bulk of the power system
Load
Amount of electric power delivered or required at any specific point or points on a system. The requirement originates at the energy-consuming equipment of consumers.
Term Phrase/Description
MBR
Market Based Rates
Electric service prices determined in an open market system of supply and demand under which the price is set solely by agreement as to what a buyer will pay and a seller will accept
MGP
Manufactured Gas Plant
ISO-NE
New England Power Pool
An ISO comprised of an alliance of approximately 100 utility companies who manage and direct all major energy production and transmission in the New England states
NJDEP
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
NRC
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NUG
Non-Utility Generation
Power produced by independent power producers, exempt wholesale generators and other companies that have been exempted from traditional utility regulation
OPEB
Other Postretirement Benefits
Benefits other than pensions payable to former employees
Outage
The period during which a generating unit, transmission line, or other facility is out of service due to scheduled (planned) or unscheduled maintenance
PJM
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
A regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 northeastern states and the District of Columbia
Power
PSEG Power LLC
Power Pool
An association of two or more interconnected electric systems having an agreement to coordinate operations and planning for improved reliability and efficiencies
PSE&G
Public Service Electric and Gas Company
PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from resources that are regenerative or that cannot be depleted (i.e. moving water (hydro, tidal and wave power), thermal gradients in ocean water, biomass, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy)
Regulatory Asset
Costs deferred by a regulated utility company in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 980: Regulated operations (ASC 980)
Regulatory Liability
Costs recognized by a regulated utility company in accordance with ASC 980
RPM
Reliability Pricing Model (PJM market)
A process for pricing generation capacity based on overall system reliability requirements; using multi-year forward auctions, participants could bid capacity in the form of generation, demand response, or transmission to meet reliability needs by location and/or an ISO market
SBC
Societal Benefits Charge
SEC
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Tax Act
Comprehensive tax legislation, Public Law 115-97, enacted by the U.S. government in December 2017, which, among other things, decreased the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and made certain changes to bonus depreciation rules.
Transmission
The high-voltage wires and networks that move electricity through states and regions in large quantities - from power plants where it is produced, to the distribution networks that deliver it to homes and businesses
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISE GROUP INCORPORATED
By:
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Ralph Izzo
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 26, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signatures of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and
February 26, 2018
Ralph Izzo
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2018
Daniel J. Cregg
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ STUART J. BLACK
Vice President and Controller
February 26, 2018
Stuart J. Black
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ WILLIE A. DEESE
Director
February 26, 2018
Willie A. Deese
/s/ ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR.
Director
February 26, 2018
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
/s/ WILLIAM V. HICKEY
Director
February 26, 2018
William V. Hickey
/s/ SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON
Director
February 26, 2018
Shirley Ann Jackson
/s/ DAVID LILLEY
Director
February 26, 2018
David Lilley
/s/ BARRY H. OSTROWSKY
Director
February 26, 2018
Barry H. Ostrowsky
/s/ THOMAS A. RENYI
Director
February 26, 2018
Thomas A. Renyi
/s/ HAK CHEOL SHIN
Director
February 26, 2018
Hak Cheol Shin
/s/ RICHARD J. SWIFT
Director
February 26, 2018
Richard J. Swift
/s/ SUSAN TOMASKY
Director
February 26, 2018
Susan Tomasky
/s/ ALFRED W. ZOLLAR
Director
February 26, 2018
Alfred W. Zollar
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANY
By:
/s/ DAVID M. DALY
David M. Daly
President and Chief Operating Officer
Date: February 26, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signatures of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and
February 26, 2018
Ralph Izzo
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2018
Daniel J. Cregg
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ STUART J. BLACK
Vice President and Controller
February 26, 2018
Stuart J. Black
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR.
Director
February 26, 2018
Albert R. Gamper Jr.
/s/ SHIRLEY ANN JACKSON
Director
February 26, 2018
Shirley Ann Jackson
/s/ RICHARD J. SWIFT
Director
February 26, 2018
Richard J. Swift
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
PSEG POWER LLC
By:
/s/ RALPH LAROSSA
Ralph LaRossa
President and Chief Operating Officer
Date: February 26, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signatures of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ RALPH IZZO
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and
February 26, 2018
Ralph Izzo
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ DANIEL J. CREGG
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
February 26, 2018
Daniel J. Cregg
Director (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ STUART J. BLACK
Vice President and Controller
February 26, 2018
Stuart J. Black
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ DEREK M. DIRISIO
Director
February 26, 2018
Derek M. DiRisio
/s/ RALPH LAROSSA
Director
February 26, 2018
Ralph LaRossa
/s/ TAMARA L. LINDE
Director
February 26, 2018
Tamara L. Linde
/s/ MARGARET M. PEGO
Director
February 26, 2018
Margaret M. Pego

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Stock Performance Metrics:
Return: -0.004551742691546679
1-Day Return: $1_day_return
3-Day Return: $3_day_return
5-Day Return: $5_day_return
10-Day Return: $10_day_return
20-Day Return: $20_day_return
40-Day Return: $40_day_return
60-Day Return: $60_day_return
80-Day Return: $80_day_return
100-Day Return: $100_day_return
150-Day Return: $150_day_return
252-Day Return: $252_day_return