NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in millions except where noted)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
|
Page No.
|
|
1
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
|
|
|
2
|
|
Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations
|
|
|
3
|
|
Accounts Receivable, Net
|
|
|
4
|
|
Inventories, Net
|
|
|
5
|
|
Net Completed Plant
|
|
|
6
|
|
Plant Closures
|
|
|
7
|
|
Leases
|
|
|
8
|
|
Other Long-Term Assets
|
|
|
9
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
|
|
|
10
|
|
Variable Interest Entities
|
|
|
11
|
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities
|
|
|
12
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligations
|
|
|
13
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations
|
|
|
14
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
|
15
|
|
Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions
|
|
|
16
|
|
Fair Value Measurements
|
|
|
17
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
18
|
|
Proprietary Capital
|
|
|
19
|
|
Other Income (Expense), Net
|
|
|
20
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
|
|
|
21
|
|
Benefit Plans
|
|
|
22
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
|
|
23
|
|
Related Parties
|
|
|
24
|
|
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General
The Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") is a corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States ("U.S.") that was created in 1933 by federal legislation in response to a proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. TVA was created to, among other things, improve navigation on the Tennessee River, reduce the damage from destructive flood waters within the Tennessee River system and downstream on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, further the economic development of TVA's service area in the southeastern U.S., and sell the electricity generated at the facilities TVA operates.
Today, TVA operates the nation's largest public power system and supplies power in most of Tennessee, northern Alabama, northeastern Mississippi, and southwestern Kentucky and in portions of northern Georgia, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia to a population of approximately 10 million people.
TVA also manages the Tennessee River, its tributaries, and certain shorelines to provide, among other things, year-round navigation, flood damage reduction, and affordable and reliable electricity. Consistent with these primary purposes, TVA also manages the river system and public lands to provide recreational opportunities, adequate water supply, improved water quality, cultural and natural resource protection, and economic development.
The power program has historically been separate and distinct from the stewardship programs. It is required to be self-supporting from power revenues and proceeds from power financings, such as proceeds from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds"). Although TVA does not currently receive congressional appropriations, it is required to make annual payments to the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury") as a return on the government's appropriation investment in TVA's power facilities (the "Power Program Appropriation Investment"). In the 1998 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Congress directed TVA to fund essential stewardship activities related to its management of the Tennessee River system and nonpower or stewardship properties with power revenues in the event that there were insufficient appropriations or other available funds to pay for such activities in any fiscal year. Congress has not
provided any appropriations to TVA to fund such activities since 1999. Consequently, during 2000, TVA began paying for essential stewardship activities primarily with power revenues, with the remainder funded with user fees and other forms of revenues derived in connection with those activities. The activities related to stewardship properties do not meet the criteria of an operating segment under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Accordingly, these assets and properties are included as part of the power program, TVA's only operating segment.
Power rates are established by the TVA Board of Directors (the "TVA Board") as authorized by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended (the "TVA Act"). The TVA Act requires TVA to charge rates for power that will produce gross revenues sufficient to provide funds for operation, maintenance, and administration of its power system; payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents"); debt service on outstanding indebtedness; payments to the U.S. Treasury in repayment of and as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment; and such additional margin as the TVA Board may consider desirable for investment in power system assets, retirement of outstanding Bonds in advance of maturity, additional reduction of the Power Program Appropriation Investment, and other purposes connected with TVA's power business. TVA fulfilled its requirement to repay $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment with the 2014 payment; therefore, this item is no longer a component of rate setting. In setting TVA's rates, the TVA Board is charged by the TVA Act to have due regard for the primary objectives of the TVA Act, including the objective that power shall be sold at rates as low as are feasible. Rates set by the TVA Board are not subject to review or approval by any state or other federal regulatory body.
Fiscal Year
TVA's fiscal year ends September 30. Years (2020, 2019, etc.) refer to TVA's fiscal years unless they are preceded by "CY," in which case the references are to calendar years.
Cost-Based Regulation
Since the TVA Board is authorized by the TVA Act to set rates for power sold to its customers, TVA is self-regulated. Additionally, TVA's regulated rates are designed to recover its costs. Based on current projections, TVA believes that rates, set at levels that will recover TVA's costs, can be charged and collected. As a result of these factors, TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods. TVA assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes, potential legislation, and changes in technology. Based on these assessments, TVA believes the existing regulatory assets are probable of recovery. This determination reflects the current regulatory and political environment and is subject to change in the future. If future recovery of regulatory assets ceases to be probable, or any of the other factors described above cease to be applicable, TVA would no longer be considered to be a regulated entity and would be required to write off these costs. All regulatory asset write offs would be required to be recognized in earnings in the period in which future recovery ceases to be probable.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, include the accounts of TVA, wholly-owned direct subsidiaries, and variable interest entities ("VIE") of which TVA is the primary beneficiary. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Although the consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, reported during the reporting period. Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results. Estimates are considered critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Reclassifications
Certain historical amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to the current presentation. In the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2019, TVA reclassified $163 million from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities to Asset retirement obligations in Current liabilities. In addition, as a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard effective for TVA October 1, 2019, TVA reclassified $182 million from Other long-term liabilities to Finance lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2019.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash includes cash on hand, non-interest bearing cash, and deposit accounts. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted, as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements, are recorded in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in trusts that are currently restricted for TVA economic development loans and for certain TVA environmental programs in accordance with agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
$
|
299
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, included in Other long-term assets
|
21
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
Total Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
|
$
|
521
|
|
|
$
|
322
|
|
Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA continued to hold higher target cash balances at September 30, 2020, and may hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
The allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects TVA's estimate of probable losses inherent in its accounts and loans receivable balances excluding the EnergyRight® loans receivable. TVA determines the allowance based on known accounts, historical experience, and other currently available information including events such as customer bankruptcy and/or a customer failing to fulfill payment arrangements after 90 days. It also reflects TVA's corporate credit department's assessment of the financial condition of customers and the credit quality of the receivables. TVA continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accounts and loans receivable balances to evaluate the allowance for uncollectible accounts.
The allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at both September 30, 2020 and 2019, for accounts receivable. Additionally, loans receivable of $105 million and $131 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are included in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, for the current and long-term portions, respectively, and are reported net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of less than $1 million at both September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Revenues
TVA recognizes revenue from contracts with customers to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For the generation and transmission of electricity, this is generally at the time the power is delivered to a metered customer delivery point for the customer's consumption or distribution. As a result, revenues from power sales are recorded as electricity is delivered to customers. In addition to power sales invoiced and recorded during the month, TVA accrues estimated unbilled revenues for power sales provided to five customers whose billing date occurs prior to the end of the month. Exchange power sales are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of sales of electricity. Exchange power sales are sales of excess power after meeting TVA native load and directly served requirements. Native load refers to the customers on whose behalf a company, by statute, franchise, regulatory requirement, or contract, has undertaken an obligation to serve. TVA engages in other arrangements in addition to power sales. Certain other revenue from activities related to TVA's overall mission are recorded in Other revenue. Revenues that are not related to the overall mission are recorded in Other income (expense), net.
Pre-Commercial Plant Operations
As part of the process of completing the construction of a generating unit, the electricity produced is used to serve the
demands of the electric system. TVA estimates revenue from such pre-commercial generation based on the guidance provided by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") regulations. The Allen Combined Cycle Plant ("Allen CC") began pre-commercial plant operations in September 2017, and began commercial operations in April 2018. Cogeneration capability at Johnsonville Combustion Turbine Unit 20 commenced pre-commercial plant operations in September 2017, and was placed in service during December 2017. Estimated revenue of $11 million related to Allen CC was capitalized to offset project costs for the year ended September 30, 2018. TVA also capitalized related fuel costs for these construction projects of approximately $19 million during the year ended September 30, 2018. No such amounts were capitalized during 2019 or 2020.
Inventories
Certain Fuel, Materials, and Supplies. Materials and supplies inventories are valued using an average unit cost method. A new average cost is computed after each inventory purchase transaction, and inventory issuances are priced at the latest moving weighted average unit cost. Coal, fuel oil, and natural gas inventories are valued using an average cost method. A new weighted average cost is computed monthly, and monthly issues are priced accordingly.
Renewable Energy Credits. TVA accounts for Renewable Energy Certificates ("RECs") using the specific identification cost method. RECs that are acquired through power purchases are recorded as inventory and charged to purchased power expense when the RECs are subsequently used or sold. TVA assigns a value to the RECs at the inception of the power purchase arrangement using a relative fair value approach. RECs created through TVA-owned asset generation are recorded at zero cost.
Emission Allowances. TVA has emission allowances for sulfur dioxide ("SO2") and nitrogen oxide ("NOx") which are accounted for as inventory. The cost of specific allowances used each month is charged to operating expense based on tons of SO2 and NOx emitted during the respective compliance periods. Allowances granted to TVA by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") are recorded at zero cost.
Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence. TVA reviews materials and supplies inventories by category and usage on a periodic basis. Each category is assigned a probability of becoming obsolete based on the type of material and historical usage data. In 2018, TVA started moving from a site-specific inventory management policy to a fleet-wide strategy for each generation type. Based on the estimated value of the inventory, TVA adjusts its allowance for inventory obsolescence.
Property, Plant, and Equipment, and Depreciation
Property, Plant, and Equipment. Additions to plant are recorded at cost, which includes direct and indirect costs. The cost of current repairs and minor replacements is charged to operating expense. Nuclear fuel, which is included in Property, plant, and equipment, is valued using the average cost method for raw materials and the specific identification method for nuclear fuel in a reactor. Amortization of nuclear fuel in a reactor is calculated on a units-of-production basis and is included in fuel expense. When property, plant, and equipment is retired, accumulated depreciation is charged for the original cost of the assets. Gains or losses are only recognized upon the sale of land or an entire operating unit.
Depreciation. TVA accounts for depreciation of its properties using the composite depreciation convention of accounting. Under the composite method, assets with similar economic characteristics are grouped and depreciated as one asset. Depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets. The estimation of asset useful lives requires management judgment, supported by external depreciation studies of historical asset retirement experience. Depreciation rates are determined based on the external depreciation studies. These studies will be updated approximately every five years. Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $1.6 billion, $1.8 billion, and $1.3 billion, respectively. Depreciation expense expressed as a percentage of the average annual depreciable completed plant was 2.74 percent for 2020, 3.09 percent for 2019, and 2.45 percent for 2018. Average depreciation rates by asset class are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment Depreciation Rates
At September 30
(percent)
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Asset Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nuclear
|
2.38
|
|
|
2.38
|
|
|
2.64
|
|
|
Coal-fired(1)
|
3.62
|
|
|
4.96
|
|
|
2.32
|
|
|
Hydroelectric
|
1.60
|
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
1.57
|
|
|
Gas and oil-fired
|
3.04
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
|
2.93
|
|
|
Transmission
|
1.34
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
1.32
|
|
|
Other
|
7.26
|
|
|
7.16
|
|
|
5.90
|
|
Note
(1) The rates include the acceleration of depreciation related to retiring certain coal-fired units.
Coal-Fired. As a result of TVA's decision to idle or retire certain units since the previous depreciation study, TVA recognized $387 million, $566 million, and $48 million in accelerated depreciation expense related to the units during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Accelerated depreciation is based on the remaining useful life of the asset at the time the decision is made to idle or retire a unit.
Reacquired Rights. Property, plant, and equipment includes intangible reacquired rights, net of amortization, of $192 million and $200 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the purchase of residual interests from
lease/leaseback agreements of certain combustion turbine units ("CTs"). Reacquired rights are amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying CTs. Amortization expense was $8 million for all years 2020, 2019, and 2018.
Software Costs. TVA capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in Property, plant, and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally amortized over seven years. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, unamortized computer software costs totaled $54 million and $63 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to capitalized computer software costs was $42 million, $38 million, and $32 million for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of Assets. TVA evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, TVA bases its evaluation on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements, regulatory approval and ability to set rates at levels that allow for recoverability of the assets, and other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, TVA determines whether an impairment has occurred based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows attributable to the asset as compared with the carrying value of the asset. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment recognized is measured as the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value. Additionally, TVA regularly evaluates construction projects. If the project is canceled or deemed to have no future economic benefit, the project is written off as an asset impairment or, upon TVA Board approval, reclassified as a regulatory asset. See Note 6 — Plant Closures.
Leases
TVA recognizes a lease asset and lease liability for leases with terms of greater than 12 months. Lease assets represent TVA's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent TVA's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, both of which are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. TVA has certain lease agreements that include variable lease payments that are based on energy production levels. These variable lease payments are not included in the measurement of the lease assets or lease liabilities but are recognized in the period in which the expenses are incurred.
While not specifically structured as leases, certain power purchase agreements ("PPAs") are deemed to contain a lease of the underlying generating units when the terms convey the right to control the use of the assets. Amounts recorded for these leases are generally based on the amount of the scheduled capacity payments due over the remaining terms of the power purchase agreements, the terms of which vary. The total lease obligation included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and lease liabilities related to these agreements were $500 million and $174 million for finance and operating leases, respectively, at September 30, 2020.
TVA has agreements with lease and non-lease components and has elected to account for the components separately. Consideration is allocated to lease and non-lease components generally based on relative standalone selling prices.
TVA has lease agreements which include options for renewal and early termination. The intent to renew a lease varies depending on the lease type and asset. Renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised are included in the lease measurements. The decision to terminate a lease early is dependent on various economic factors. No termination options have been included in TVA's lease measurements.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, which do not include an option to extend the initial term of the lease to greater than 12 months that TVA is reasonably certain to exercise, are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020.
Operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Rent expense associated with short-term leases and variable leases is recorded in Operating and maintenance expense, Fuel expense, or Purchased power expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Expenses associated with finance leases result in the separate presentation of interest expense on the lease liability and amortization expense of the related lease asset on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Decommissioning Costs
TVA recognizes legal obligations associated with the future retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. These obligations relate to fossil fuel-fired generating plants, nuclear generating plants, hydroelectric generating plants/dams, transmission structures, and other property-related assets. These other property-related assets include, but are not limited to, easements and coal rights. Activities involved with retiring these assets could include decontamination and demolition of structures, removal and disposal of wastes, and site restoration. Revisions to the estimates of asset retirement obligations ("AROs") are made whenever factors indicate that the timing or amounts of estimated cash flows have changed materially. Any accretion or depreciation expense related to these liabilities and assets is charged to a regulatory asset. See Note 9 —
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities — Nuclear Decommissioning Costs and Non-Nuclear Decommissioning Costs and Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Down-blend Offering for Tritium
TVA, the Department of Energy ("DOE"), and certain nuclear fuel contractors have entered into agreements, referred to as the Down-blend Offering for Tritium, that provide for the production, processing, and storage of low-enriched uranium that is to be made using surplus DOE highly enriched uranium and other uranium. Low-enriched uranium can be fabricated into fuel for use in a nuclear power plant. Production of the low-enriched uranium began in 2019 and is contracted to continue through October 2027. Beginning October 2027, contract activity will consist of storage and flag management. Flag management ensures that the uranium is of U.S. origin, free from foreign obligations, and unencumbered by policy restrictions, so that it can be used in connection with the production of tritium. Under the terms of the interagency agreement between the DOE and TVA, the DOE will reimburse TVA for a portion of the costs of converting the highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium. Since 2019, TVA has received $89 million in reimbursements from the DOE. At September 30, 2020, TVA recorded $6 million in Accounts receivable, net related to this agreement.
Investment Funds
Investment funds consist primarily of trust funds designated to fund decommissioning requirements (see Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Decommissioning Costs), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") (see Note 21 — Benefit Plans — Overview of Plans and Benefits — Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan), and the Deferred Compensation Plan ("DCP"). The Nuclear Decommissioning Trust ("NDT") holds funds primarily for the ultimate decommissioning of TVA's nuclear power plants. The Asset Retirement Trust ("ART") holds funds primarily for the costs related to the future closure and retirement of TVA's other long-lived assets. The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP funds are invested in portfolios of securities generally designed to achieve a return in line with overall equity and debt market performance. The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP funds are all classified as trading.
Energy Prepayment Obligations
In 2004, TVA and its largest customer, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division ("MLGW"), entered into an energy prepayment agreement under which MLGW prepaid TVA $1.5 billion for the future costs of electricity to be delivered by TVA to MLGW over a period of 180 months. TVA accounted for the prepayment as unearned revenue and reported the obligation to deliver power under this arrangement as Energy prepayment obligations. The arrangement ceased in 2019. Revenue was recognized in each year of the arrangement as electricity was delivered to MLGW based on the ratio of units of kilowatt hours delivered to total units of kilowatt hours under contract. As of September 30, 2019, $1.5 billion had been recognized as non-cash revenue on a cumulative basis during the life of the agreement, $10 million and $100 million of which was recognized as non-cash revenue during 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Discounts to account for the time value of money, which are recorded as a reduction to electricity sales, amounted to $4 million and $46 million for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Insurance
Although TVA uses private companies to administer its healthcare plans for eligible active and retired employees not covered by Medicare, TVA does not purchase health insurance. Third-party actuarial specialists assist TVA in determining certain liabilities for self-insured claims. TVA recovers the costs of claims through power rates and through adjustments to the participants' contributions to their benefit plans. These liabilities are included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
TVA sponsors an Owner Controlled Insurance Program which provides workers' compensation and liability insurance for a select group of contractors performing maintenance, modifications, outage, and new construction activities at TVA facilities.
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act ("FECA") governs liability to employees for service-connected injuries. TVA purchases excess workers' compensation insurance above a self-insured retention.
In addition to excess workers' compensation insurance, TVA purchases the following types of insurance:
•Nuclear liability insurance; nuclear property, decommissioning, and decontamination insurance; and nuclear accidental outage insurance. See Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Nuclear Insurance.
•Excess liability insurance for aviation, auto, marine, and general liability exposures.
•Property insurance for certain conventional (non-nuclear) assets.
The insurance policies are subject to the terms and conditions of the specific policy, including deductibles or self-insured retentions. To the extent insurance would not provide either a partial or total recovery of the costs associated with a loss, TVA would have to recover any such costs through other means, including through power rates.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. TVA's research programs include those related to power delivery technologies, emerging technologies (clean energy, renewables, distributed resources, and energy efficiency), technologies related to generation (fossil fuel, nuclear, and hydroelectric), and environmental technologies.
Tax Equivalents
TVA is not subject to federal income taxation. In addition, neither TVA nor its property, franchises, or income is subject to taxation by states or their subdivisions. The TVA Act requires TVA to make payments to states and counties in which TVA conducts its power operations and in which TVA has acquired power properties previously subject to state and local taxation. The total amount of these payments is five percent of gross revenues from sales of power during the preceding year, excluding sales or deliveries to other federal agencies and off-system sales with other utilities, with a provision for minimum payments under certain circumstances. TVA calculates tax equivalent expense by subtracting the prior year fuel cost-related tax equivalent regulatory asset or liability from the payments made to the states and counties during the current year and adding back the current year fuel cost-related tax equivalent regulatory asset or liability. Fuel cost-related tax equivalent expense is recognized in the same accounting period in which the fuel cost-related revenue is recognized.
Maintenance Costs
TVA records maintenance costs and repairs related to its property, plant, and equipment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as they are incurred except for the recording of certain regulatory assets for retirement and removal costs.
2. Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations
The following are accounting standard updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that TVA adopted during 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease Accounting
|
|
Description
|
This guidance changes the provisions of recognition in both the lessee and lessor accounting models. The standard requires entities that lease assets ("lessees") to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with terms of more than 12 months, while also refining the definition of a lease. In addition, lessees are required to disclose key information about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily depend on its classification as a finance lease (formerly referred to as capital lease) or operating lease. The standard requires both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense, while finance leases will result in recognition of interest on the lease liability separate from amortization expense. The accounting rules for the owner of assets leased by the lessee ("lessor accounting") remain relatively unchanged.
The standard allows for certain practical expedients to be elected related to lease term determination, separation of lease and non-lease elements, reassessment of existing leases, and short-term leases. The standard is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
October 1, 2019
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA elected the modified retrospective method of adoption effective October 1, 2019. Under the modified retrospective method of adoption, prior year reported results are not restated.
TVA recorded $205 million and $210 million of lease assets and lease liabilities, respectively, for operating leases in effect at the adoption date. The accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Adoption of the standard did not materially impact results of operations or cash flows.
TVA has elected to apply the following practical expedients:
|
|
|
Practical Expedient
|
Description
|
|
|
|
Package of transition practical expedients (for leases commenced prior to adoption date; expedients must be adopted as a package)
|
Do not need to (1) reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are leases or contain leases, (2) reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, or (3) reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.
|
|
|
|
Short-term lease expedient (elect by class of underlying asset)
|
Elect as an accounting policy to not apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases by asset class.
|
|
|
|
Existing and expired land easements not previously accounted for as leases
|
Elect to not evaluate existing or expired easements under the new guidance and carry forward current accounting treatment.
|
|
|
|
Comparative reporting requirements for initial adoption
|
Elect to (1) apply transition requirements at adoption date, (2) recognize cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings in period of adoption, and (3) not apply the new requirements to comparative periods, including disclosures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives and Hedging - Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
|
|
Description
|
This guidance better aligns an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
October 1, 2019
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA has adopted the standard on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. TVA only uses hedge accounting under its foreign currency swap arrangements, and the adoption of this standard had no impact on those arrangements.
|
|
|
|
Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs in a Cloud Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
|
|
Description
|
This guidance relates to the accounting for a customer's implementation costs in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The amendments align the requirements for capitalizing those implementation costs with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. The amendments also provide requirements for the classification of the capitalized costs and related expense and cash flows in the financial statements, the application of impairment guidance to the capitalized costs, and the application of abandonment guidance to the capitalized costs. Entities are required to apply the amendments either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the adoption date.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
October 1, 2019
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA has adopted the standard on a prospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. TVA records qualified implementation costs in a cloud arrangement that is a service contract as a prepaid asset and amortizes the prepaid asset to Operating and maintenance expense based on the term of the contract.
|
The following accounting standards have been issued but as of September 30, 2020, were not effective and had not been adopted by TVA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
|
|
Description
|
This guidance eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an allowance to be recorded for all expected credit losses for certain financial assets that are not measured at fair value. The allowance for credit losses is based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard also makes revisions to the other than temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. Disclosures of credit quality indicators in relation to the amortized cost of financing receivables are further disaggregated by year of origination.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
The new standard is effective for TVA's interim and annual reporting periods beginning October 1, 2020.
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA adopted this standard using the modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on October 1, 2020. TVA will recognize an allowance that reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This standard will primarily impact TVA's long-term loans receivable. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurement Disclosure
|
|
Description
|
The guidance changes certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. It removes certain disclosure requirements, such as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of the transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Some disclosure requirements are added, such as the change in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
The new standard is effective for TVA's interim and annual reporting periods beginning October 1, 2020.
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
|
|
|
|
Reference Rate Reform
|
|
Description
|
The guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance in GAAP on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rates.
|
|
Effective Date for TVA
|
The new standard is effective for adoption at any time between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2022. TVA currently plans to adopt the standard by December 31, 2022.
|
|
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
|
TVA continues to review this standard and evaluate the impact of using an alternative reference rate instead of LIBOR in its interest rate swap contracts. TVA expects the adoption of the standard will simplify the accounting for any modifications to its interest rate swap contracts.
|
3. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from customers for power sales. The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's accounts receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable, Net
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Power receivables
|
$
|
1,401
|
|
|
$
|
1,624
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
128
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net(1)
|
$
|
1,529
|
|
|
$
|
1,739
|
|
Note
(1) Allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, and therefore is not represented in the table above.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization program in March 2020, which includes alternative wholesale payment arrangements for LPCs. Through this program, TVA is offering up to $1.0 billion of credit support to LPCs that demonstrate the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA. The program requires LPCs to apply for the deferral, which is subject to approval by TVA. If approved, TVA will establish and approve a repayment schedule with the LPC by December 31, 2020, with a repayment term not to exceed two years. The program is available through CY 2020, and as of November 16, 2020, $1 million of credit support has been approved under the program.
4. Inventories, Net
The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's inventories:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, Net
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Materials and supplies inventory
|
$
|
770
|
|
|
$
|
742
|
|
|
Fuel inventory
|
253
|
|
|
294
|
|
|
RECs inventory, net
|
15
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
|
(35)
|
|
|
(53)
|
|
|
Inventories, net
|
$
|
1,003
|
|
|
$
|
999
|
|
5. Net Completed Plant
Net completed plant consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Completed Plant
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
Net
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
Net
|
|
Coal-fired(1)(2)
|
$
|
18,613
|
|
|
$
|
13,944
|
|
|
$
|
4,669
|
|
|
$
|
17,400
|
|
|
$
|
12,538
|
|
|
$
|
4,862
|
|
|
Gas and oil-fired
|
6,010
|
|
|
1,696
|
|
|
4,314
|
|
|
6,054
|
|
|
1,562
|
|
|
4,492
|
|
|
Nuclear
|
25,741
|
|
|
12,141
|
|
|
13,600
|
|
|
25,543
|
|
|
11,656
|
|
|
13,887
|
|
|
Transmission
|
8,283
|
|
|
3,140
|
|
|
5,143
|
|
|
7,932
|
|
|
3,083
|
|
|
4,849
|
|
|
Hydroelectric
|
3,410
|
|
|
1,090
|
|
|
2,320
|
|
|
3,163
|
|
|
1,051
|
|
|
2,112
|
|
|
Other electrical plant
|
1,981
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
|
835
|
|
|
1,920
|
|
|
1,110
|
|
|
810
|
|
|
Intangible software
|
3
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
Multipurpose dams
|
900
|
|
|
381
|
|
|
519
|
|
|
900
|
|
|
373
|
|
|
527
|
|
|
Other stewardship
|
29
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
64,970
|
|
|
$
|
33,550
|
|
|
$
|
31,420
|
|
|
$
|
62,944
|
|
|
$
|
31,384
|
|
|
$
|
31,560
|
|
Notes
(1) TVA recognized accelerated depreciation as a result of the decision to idle or retire certain units. See Note 6 — Plant Closures.
(2) In 2020, TVA recorded approximately $1.1 billion in upward revisions to asset retirement costs for coal-fired assets. See Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
6. Plant Closures
Background
TVA must continuously evaluate all generating assets to ensure an optimal energy portfolio that provides safe, clean, and reliable power while maintaining flexibility and fiscal responsibility to the people of the Tennessee Valley. Based on results of assessments presented to the TVA Board in 2019, the retirement of Paradise Fossil Plant ("Paradise") Unit 3 by December 2020 and Bull Run Fossil Plant ("Bull Run") by December 2023 was approved. Subsequent to the TVA Board approval, TVA determined that Paradise would not be restarted after January 2020 due to the plant's material condition. Paradise Unit 3 was taken offline on February 1, 2020, effectively retiring the plant.
Financial Impact
As a result of TVA's decision to accelerate the retirements of Paradise and Bull Run, certain construction projects at these locations were identified as probable of abandonment or were no longer expected to be in service for greater than one year prior to the plants' retirement dates. The write-off of these projects resulted in $11 million and $151 million of Operating and maintenance expense during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. TVA also recognized losses of $2 million and $19 million in Operating and maintenance expense related to additional materials and supplies inventory reserves and write-offs identified at Paradise during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
TVA's policy is to adjust depreciation rates to reflect the most current assumptions, ensuring units will be fully depreciated by the applicable retirement dates. As a result of TVA's decision to accelerate the retirement of Paradise and Bull Run, TVA recognized an additional $387 million and $566 million of accelerated depreciation for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
7. Leases
As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA elected the modified retrospective method of adoption for the new lease accounting standard effective October 1, 2019. Under the modified retrospective method of adoption, prior year reported results are not restated.
TVA recorded $205 million and $210 million of lease assets and lease liabilities, respectively, for operating leases in effect at the adoption date. The accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Adoption of the standard did not materially impact results of operations or cash flows.
The following table provides additional information regarding the presentation of leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets
At September 30, 2020
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
Operating lease assets, net of amortization
|
$
|
232
|
|
|
Finance
|
Finance leases
|
516
|
|
|
Total lease assets
|
|
$
|
748
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
63
|
|
|
Finance
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
41
|
|
|
Non-current
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
171
|
|
|
Finance
|
Finance lease liabilities
|
525
|
|
|
Total lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
800
|
|
TVA's leases consist primarily of railcars, equipment, real estate/land, power generating facilities, and gas pipelines. TVA's leases have various terms and expiration dates remaining from less than one year to 26 years. The components of lease costs for the year September 30, 2020, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease Costs
|
|
|
For the year ended September 30, 2020
|
|
Operating lease costs(1)
|
$
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
Variable lease costs(1)
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term lease costs(1)
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease costs
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of lease assets(2)
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on lease liabilities(3)(4)
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
Total finance lease costs
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
Total lease costs
|
$
|
214
|
|
|
|
Notes
(1) Costs are included in Operating and maintenance expense, Fuel expense, Purchased power expense, and Tax equivalents expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. TVA's rental expense for operating leases was approximately $97 million and $92 million for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2) Expense is included in Depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3) Expense is included in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(4) Certain finance leases receive regulatory accounting treatment and are reclassified to Fuel expense and Purchased power expense.
TVA's variable lease costs are primarily related to renewable energy purchase agreements that require TVA to purchase all output from the underlying facility. Payments under those agreements are solely based on the actual output over the lease term. Certain TVA lease agreements contain renewal options. Those renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised are included in the lease measurements.
The following table contains additional information with respect to cash and non-cash activities related to leases:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Recognized on TVA's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended September 30, 2020
|
|
Operating cash flows for operating leases
|
$
|
85
|
|
|
Operating cash flows for finance leases
|
33
|
|
|
Financing cash flows for finance leases
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (non-cash)
|
|
|
Operating leases(1)
|
$
|
110
|
|
|
Finance leases
|
394
|
|
Note
(1) Amount excludes operating lease assets recorded as a result of the adoption of the new lease standard.
TVA has certain finance leases under PPAs under which the present value of the minimum lease payments exceeds the fair value of the related lease asset at the date of measurement. This resulted in an interest rate that was higher than TVA's incremental borrowing rate. At September 30, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term in years and the weighted average discount rate for TVA's operating and financing leases were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Averages
At September 30, 2020
|
|
Weighted average remaining lease terms
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
5 years
|
|
Finance leases
|
12 years
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average discount rate(1)
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
1.6%
|
|
Finance leases
|
21.8%
|
Note
(1) The discount rate is calculated using the rate implicit in a lease if it is readily determinable. If the rate used by the lessor is not readily determinable, TVA uses its incremental borrowing rate as permitted by accounting guidance. The incremental borrowing rate is influenced by TVA's credit rating and lease term and as such may differ for individual leases, embedded leases, or portfolios of leased assets.
The following table presents maturities of lease liabilities and a reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to lease liabilities at September 30, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future Minimum Lease Payments
Minimum Payments Due at September 30, 2020
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
2021
|
$
|
66
|
|
|
2022
|
51
|
|
|
2023
|
39
|
|
|
2024
|
37
|
|
|
2025
|
34
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
16
|
|
|
Minimum annual payments
|
243
|
|
|
Less: present value discount
|
(9)
|
|
|
Operating present value of net minimum lease payments
|
$
|
234
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance leases
|
|
|
2021
|
$
|
92
|
|
|
2022
|
93
|
|
|
2023
|
92
|
|
|
2024
|
87
|
|
|
2025
|
86
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
592
|
|
|
Minimum annual payments
|
1,042
|
|
|
Less: amount representing interest
|
(476)
|
|
|
Finance present value of net minimum lease payments
|
$
|
566
|
|
The following table presents the future minimum lease payments under operating leases and the finance lease maturities as reported under the previous lease standard at September 30, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future Minimum Lease Payments
Minimum Payments Due at September 30, 2019
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
2020
|
$
|
76
|
|
|
2021
|
75
|
|
|
2022
|
60
|
|
|
2023
|
12
|
|
|
2024
|
3
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
2
|
|
|
Minimum annual payments
|
228
|
|
|
Less: present value discount
|
—
|
|
|
Operating present value of net minimum lease payments
|
$
|
228
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance leases
|
|
|
2020
|
$
|
53
|
|
|
2021
|
53
|
|
|
2022
|
53
|
|
|
2023
|
55
|
|
|
2024
|
51
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
418
|
|
|
Minimum annual payments
|
683
|
|
|
Less: amount representing interest
|
(495)
|
|
|
Finance present value of net minimum lease payments
|
$
|
188
|
|
TVA entered into a PPA with a renewable resource provider for solar generation and rights to charge and discharge a battery energy storage system. The system is considered a lease component in this agreement. This lease has a term of 20 years, and is expected to commence on October 1, 2022. Payments made over the term of this lease are expected to total approximately $89 million.
8. Other Long-Term Assets
The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's other long-term assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Long-Term Assets
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019(1)
|
|
Loans and other long-term receivables, net
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
|
EnergyRight® receivables
|
69
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
Prepaid long-term service agreements
|
42
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivative assets
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
|
21
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
Prepaid capacity payments
|
11
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
59
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
Total other long-term assets
|
$
|
325
|
|
|
$
|
325
|
|
Note
(1) At September 30, 2019, $22 million previously classified as Other (a component of Other long-term assets) has been reclassified to Prepaid long-term service agreements (a component of Other long-term assets) to conform with current year presentation.
EnergyRight® Receivables. In association with the EnergyRight® program, TVA's local power company customers ("LPCs") offer financing to end-use customers for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Depending on the nature of the energy-efficiency project, loans may have a maximum term of five years or 10 years. TVA purchases the resulting loans receivable from its LPCs. The loans receivable are then transferred to a third-party bank with which TVA has agreed to repay in
full any loans receivable that have been in default for 180 days or more or that TVA has determined are uncollectible. Given this continuing involvement, TVA accounts for the transfer of the loans receivable as secured borrowings. The current and long-term portions of the loans receivable are reported in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of the loans receivable, net of discount, reported in Accounts receivable, net was approximately $18 million and $20 million, respectively. See Note 11 — Other Long-Term Liabilities for information regarding the associated financing obligation.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship can request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. This deferral option began April 20, 2020, and is available through October 31, 2020. Deferred loans will not accrue interest during the deferral months. These deferred loans have resulted in a less than $1 million impact to TVA.
Prepaid Long-Term Service Agreements. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major
maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these
arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under
certain of these agreements, payments made exceed the value of parts received and services rendered. The current and long-term portions of the resulting prepayments are reported in Other current assets and Other long-term assets, respectively, on
TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, prepayments of $3 million and $5 million,
respectively, were recorded in Other current assets.
9. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods. Components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are summarized in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019(1)
|
|
Current regulatory assets
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives
|
$
|
114
|
|
|
$
|
89
|
|
|
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives
|
4
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel cost adjustment receivable
|
12
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current regulatory assets
|
130
|
|
|
156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current regulatory assets
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred pension costs and other post-retirement benefits costs
|
5,193
|
|
|
4,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-nuclear decommissioning costs
|
2,512
|
|
|
1,741
|
|
|
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives
|
1,506
|
|
|
1,241
|
|
|
Nuclear decommissioning costs
|
896
|
|
|
868
|
|
|
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives
|
—
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other non-current regulatory assets
|
138
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
Total non-current regulatory assets
|
10,245
|
|
|
8,763
|
|
|
Total regulatory assets
|
$
|
10,375
|
|
|
$
|
8,919
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current regulatory liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel cost adjustment tax equivalents
|
$
|
115
|
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives
|
26
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
Total current regulatory liabilities
|
141
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current regulatory liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total non-current regulatory liabilities
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total regulatory liabilities
|
$
|
164
|
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
Note
(1) At September 30, 2019, $12 million previously classified as Environmental agreements (a component of Regulatory assets) has been reclassified to Other non-current regulatory assets (a component of Regulatory assets) to conform with current year presentation.
In 2017, the TVA Board authorized management to accelerate amortization of certain regulatory assets to the extent actual net income in 2018 exceeded the budgeted amount, up to the aggregate amount of those certain regulatory assets. Assets included in this TVA Board action include: deferred nuclear generating units, environmental cleanup costs related to the Kingston ash spill, and nuclear training costs related to the refurbishing and restarting of Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant ("Browns Ferry") Unit 1 and the construction of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant ("Watts Bar") Unit 2. TVA recorded $857 million of accelerated amortization of the Deferred nuclear generating units and Nuclear training costs regulatory assets in 2018. The TVA Board authorized TVA to use the amount included in the 2019 rate action for these two regulatory assets, to the extent needed, to accelerate amortization of the Environmental cleanup costs - Kingston ash spill regulatory asset in 2019. TVA recorded $266 million of accelerated recovery for the Kingston ash spill regulatory asset in 2019. No accelerated amortization was recorded in 2020.
Deferred Pension Costs and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs. TVA measures the funded status of its pension and post-retirement ("OPEB") benefit plans at each year-end balance sheet date. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligations at the measurement date for each plan. The changes in funded status are actuarial gains and losses that are recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets by adjusting the recognized pension and OPEB liabilities, with the offset deferred as a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability. In an unregulated
environment, these deferred costs would be recognized as an increase or decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").
"Incurred cost" is a cost arising from cash paid out or an obligation to pay for an acquired asset or service, and a loss from any cause that has been sustained and for which payment has been or must be made. In the cases of pension and OPEB costs, the unfunded obligation represents a projected liability to the employee for services rendered, and thus it meets the definition of an incurred cost. Therefore, amounts that otherwise would be charged to AOCI for these costs are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability since TVA has historically recovered pension and OPEB expense in rates. Through historical and current year expense included in ratemaking, the TVA Board has demonstrated the ability and intent to include pension and OPEB costs in allowable costs and in rates for ratemaking purposes. As a result, it is probable that future revenue will result from inclusion of the pension and OPEB regulatory assets or regulatory liability in allowable costs for ratemaking purposes.
The regulatory asset and liability are classified as long-term, which is consistent with the pension and OPEB liabilities, and are not amortized to the consolidated statements of operations over a specified recovery period. They are adjusted either upward or downward each year in conjunction with the adjustments to the unfunded pension liability and OPEB liability, as calculated by the actuaries. Ultimately the regulatory asset and liability will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the form of pension and OPEB expense as the actuarial liabilities are eliminated in future periods. See Note 21 — Benefit Plans — Obligations and Funded Status.
Additionally on October 1, 2014, TVA began recognizing pension costs as a regulatory asset to the extent that the amount calculated under GAAP as pension expense differs from the amount TVA contributes to the pension plan. As a result of recent plan design changes, future contributions are expected to exceed the expense calculated under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, TVA will discontinue this regulatory accounting practice once all such deferred costs have been recovered, at which time it will recognize pension costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-Nuclear Decommissioning Costs. Non-nuclear decommissioning costs include: (1) certain deferred charges related to the future closure and decommissioning of TVA's non-nuclear long-lived assets, (2) recognition of changes in the liability, (3) recognition of changes in the value of TVA's ART, and (4) certain other deferred charges under the accounting rules for AROs. TVA has established the ART to more effectively segregate, manage, and invest funds to help meet future non-nuclear AROs. The funds from the ART may be used, among other things, to pay the costs related to the future closure and retirement of non-nuclear long-lived assets under various legal requirements. These future costs can be funded through a combination of investment funds already set aside in the ART, future earnings on those investment funds, and future cash contributions to the ART and future earnings thereon. For 2020, TVA recovered in rates a portion of its estimated current year non-nuclear decommissioning costs and contributions to the ART. Deferred charges will be recovered in rates based on an analysis of the expected expenditures, contributions, and investment earnings required to recover the decommissioning costs. There is not a specified recovery period; therefore, the regulatory asset is classified as long-term consistent with the ART investments and ARO liability.
Unrealized Losses on Interest Rate Derivatives. TVA uses regulatory accounting treatment to defer the unrealized gains and losses on certain interest rate derivative contracts. When amounts in these contracts are realized, the resulting gains or losses are included in the ratemaking formula. The unrealized losses on these interest rate derivatives are recorded on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets as current and non-current regulatory assets, and the related realized gains or losses, if any, are recorded on TVA's Consolidated Statements of Operations when the contracts settle. A portion of certain unrealized gains and losses will be amortized into earnings over the remaining lives of the contracts. Gains and losses on interest rate derivatives that are expected to be realized within the next year are included as a current regulatory asset or liability on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Due to changing interest rates in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA has experienced unrealized losses related to its derivative instruments for the year ended September 30, 2020. TVA does not recognize unrealized gains and losses from the investment portfolios and derivative instruments within earnings but rather defers all such gains and losses within a regulatory liability or asset in accordance with its accounting policy. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions and Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements.
Nuclear Decommissioning Costs. Nuclear decommissioning costs include: (1) certain deferred charges related to the future closure and decommissioning of TVA's nuclear generating units under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") requirements, (2) recognition of changes in the liability, (3) recognition of changes in the value of TVA's NDT, and (4) certain other deferred charges under the accounting rules for AROs. These future costs can be funded through a combination of investment funds set aside in the NDT and ART, future earnings on the investment funds, and future earnings thereon. Deferred charges will be recovered in rates based on the analysis of expected expenditures, contributions, and investment earnings required to recover the decommissioning costs. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Investment Funds. There is not a specified recovery period; therefore, the regulatory asset is classified as long-term consistent with the NDT investments and ARO liability.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Commodity Derivatives. Unrealized gains (losses) on natural gas purchase contracts, included as part of unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives, relate to the mark-to-market ("MtM") valuation of natural
gas purchase contracts. During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts because these contracts no longer meet the criteria of net settlement. As a result, the associated net regulatory assets have been derecognized. The natural gas purchase contracts qualify as derivative contracts but do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment. As a result, TVA recognizes the changes in the market value of these derivative contracts as a regulatory liability or asset. This treatment reflects TVA's ability and intent to recover the cost of these commodity contracts on a settlement basis for ratemaking purposes through the fuel cost adjustment. TVA recognizes the actual cost of fuel received under these contracts in fuel expense at the time the fuel is used to generate electricity. These contracts expire at various times through 2024. Unrealized gains and losses on contracts with a maturity of less than one year are included as a current regulatory asset or liability on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions.
Fuel Cost Adjustment Receivable. The fuel cost adjustment provides a mechanism to alter rates monthly to reflect changing fuel and purchased power costs. There is typically a lag between the occurrence of a change in fuel and purchased power costs and the reflection of the change in fuel rates. Balances in the fuel cost adjustment regulatory accounts represent over-collected or under-collected revenues that offset fuel and purchased power costs, and the fuel rate is designed to recover or refund the balance in less than one year.
Other Non-Current Regulatory Assets. Other non-current regulatory assets consist of the following:
Deferred Capital Leases and Other Financing Obligations. For certain leases that were determined prior to TVA's adoption of the new lease accounting standard effective October 1, 2019, TVA recognized the initial capital lease liability and asset at inception. However, the annual expense recognized in rates is equal to the annual lease payments, which differs from GAAP treatment. This practice results in TVA's asset balances being higher than they otherwise would have been under GAAP, with the difference representing a regulatory asset related to each capital lease. These costs will be amortized over the respective lease as lease payments are made. As the costs associated with this regulatory asset are not currently being considered in rates and the asset is expected to increase over the next year, the regulatory asset has been classified as long-term.
Debt Reacquisition Costs. Reacquisition expenses, call premiums, and other related costs, such as unamortized debt issue costs associated with redeemed Bond issues, are deferred and amortized (accreted) on a straight-line basis over the weighted average life of TVA's debt portfolio. Because timing of additional reacquisition expenses and changes to the weighted average life of the debt are uncertain, the regulatory asset is classified as long-term.
Retirement Removal Costs. Retirement removal costs, net of salvage, that are not legally required are recognized as a regulatory asset. Net removal costs are amortized over a one-year period subsequent to completion of the removal activities. TVA treats this regulatory asset as long-term in its entirety primarily because it relates to assets that are long-term in nature.
Fuel Cost Adjustment Tax Equivalents. The fuel cost adjustment includes a provision related to the current funding of the future payments TVA will make. As TVA records the fuel cost adjustment, five percent of the calculation that relates to a future asset or liability for tax equivalent payments is recorded as a current regulatory liability and paid or refunded in the following year.
10. Variable Interest Entities
A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of owning a controlling financial interest. When TVA determines that it has a variable interest in a VIE, a qualitative evaluation is performed to assess which interest holders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. The evaluation considers the purpose and design of the business, the risks that the business was designed to create and pass along to other entities, the activities of the business that can be directed and which party can direct them, and the expected relative impact of those activities on the economic performance of the business through its life. TVA has the power to direct the activities of an entity when it has the ability to make key operating and financing decisions, including, but not limited to, capital investment and the issuance of debt. Based on the evaluation of these criteria, TVA has determined it is the primary beneficiary of certain entities and as such is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis.
John Sevier VIEs
In 2012, TVA entered into a $1.0 billion construction management agreement and lease financing arrangement with John Sevier Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("JSCCG") for the completion and lease by TVA of the John Sevier Combined Cycle Facility ("John Sevier CCF"). JSCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in January 2012 to finance the John Sevier CCF through a $900 million secured note issuance (the "JSCCG notes") and the issuance of $100 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption. The membership interests were purchased by John Sevier Holdco LLC ("Holdco"). Holdco is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in January 2012, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in JSCCG. A non-controlling interest in Holdco is held by a third-party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows are allocated.
The membership interests held by Holdco in JSCCG were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $100 million of secured notes (the "Holdco notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each January 15 and July 15, with a final payment due in January 2042. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the Holdco notes. The sale of the JSCCG notes, the membership interests in JSCCG, and the Holdco notes closed in January 2012. The JSCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the Holdco notes are secured by Holdco's investment in, and amounts receivable from, JSCCG. TVA's lease payments to JSCCG are equal to and payable on the same dates as JSCCG's and Holdco's semi-annual debt service payments. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by JSCCG and Holdco. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.
Due to its participation in the design, business conduct, and credit and financial support of JSCCG and Holdco, TVA
has determined that it has a variable interest in each of these entities. Based on its analysis, TVA has concluded that it is the
primary beneficiary of JSCCG and Holdco and, as such, is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis. Holdco's
membership interests in JSCCG are eliminated in consolidation.
Southaven VIE
In 2013, TVA entered into a $400 million lease financing arrangement with Southaven Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("SCCG") for the lease by TVA of the Southaven Combined Cycle Facility ("Southaven CCF"). SCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in June 2013 to finance the Southaven CCF through a $360 million secured notes issuance (the "SCCG notes") and the issuance of $40 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption. The membership interests were purchased by Southaven Holdco LLC ("SHLLC"). SHLLC is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in June 2013, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in SCCG. A non-controlling interest in SHLLC is held by a third-party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows of SHLLC are allocated.
The membership interests held by SHLLC were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $40 million of secured notes (the "SHLLC notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each February 15 and August 15, with a final payment due on August 15, 2033. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes, and the payment amounts are sufficient to provide returns on, as well as returns of, capital until the investment has been repaid to SHLLC in full. The rate of return on investment to SHLLC is 7.0 percent, which is reflected as interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. SHLLC is required to pay a pre-determined portion of the return on investment to Seven States Southaven, LLC ("SSSL") on each lease payment date as agreed in SHLLC's formation documents (the "Seven States Return"). The current and long-term portions of the Membership interests of VIE subject to mandatory redemption are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.
The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes. The SCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the SHLLC notes are secured by SHLLC's investment in, and amounts receivable from, SCCG. TVA's lease payments to SCCG are payable on the same dates as SCCG's and SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments and are equal to the sum of (i) the amount of SCCG's semi-annual debt service payments, (ii) the amount of SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments, and (iii) the amount of the Seven States Return. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by SCCG and SHLLC. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.
In the event that TVA were to choose to exercise an early buy out feature of the Southaven facility lease, in part or in whole, TVA must pay to SCCG amounts sufficient for SCCG to repay or partially repay on a pro rata basis the membership interests held by SHLLC, including any outstanding investment amount plus accrued but unpaid return. TVA also has the right, at any time and without any early redemption of the other portions of the Southaven facility lease payments due to SCCG, to fully repay SHLLC's investment, upon which repayment SHLLC will transfer the membership interests to a designee of TVA.
TVA participated in the design, business conduct, and financial support of SCCG and has determined that it has a direct variable interest in SCCG resulting from risk associated with the value of the Southaven CCF at the end of the lease term. Based on its analysis, TVA has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of SCCG and, as such, is required to account for the VIE on a consolidated basis.
Impact on Consolidated Financial Statements
The financial statement items attributable to carrying amounts and classifications of JSCCG, Holdco, and SCCG as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, as reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Impact of VIEs on Consolidated Balance Sheets
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued interest
|
$
|
10
|
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
|
41
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
54
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
23
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
|
1,048
|
|
|
1,089
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
1,125
|
|
|
$
|
1,167
|
|
Interest expense of $54 million, $56 million, and $58 million related to debt of VIEs and membership interests of variable interest entity subject to mandatory redemption is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Creditors of the VIEs do not have any recourse to the general credit of TVA. TVA does not have any obligations to provide financial support to the VIEs other than as prescribed in the terms of the agreements related to these transactions.
11. Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of liabilities related to certain derivative agreements as well as for environmental remediation liabilities and liabilities under agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations, Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives, and Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements. The table below summarizes the types and amounts of Other long-term liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities(1)
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Interest rate swap liabilities
|
$
|
1,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,676
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
171
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Currency swap liabilities
|
123
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
EnergyRight® financing obligation
|
78
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
Paradise pipeline financing obligation
|
—
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
Accrued long-term service agreements
|
56
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
193
|
|
|
203
|
|
|
Total other long-term liabilities
|
$
|
2,548
|
|
|
$
|
2,308
|
|
Note
(1) Due to the implementation of the new lease accounting standard effective October 1, 2019, TVA reclassified $182 million of finance leases from Other long-term liabilities to Finance lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ending September 30, 2019.
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities. TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Accrued interest, and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of the interest rate swap liabilities reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Accrued interest was approximately $114 million and $88 million, respectively. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives for information regarding the interest rate swap liabilities. As of September 30, 2020, Interest rate swap liabilities increased $277 million as compared to September 30, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in interest rates resulting in higher mark-to-market values on future expected net cash flows.
EnergyRight® Financing Obligation. TVA purchases certain loans receivable from its LPCs in association with the EnergyRight® program. The current and long-term portions of the resulting financing obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of the financing obligation reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities was approximately $19 million and $23 million, respectively. See Note 8 — Other Long-Term Assets for information regarding the associated loans receivable.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship can request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. This deferral option began April 20, 2020, and is available through October 31, 2020. Deferred loans will not accrue interest during the deferral months. These deferred loans have resulted in a less than $1 million impact to TVA.
Paradise Pipeline Financing Obligation. TVA reserves firm pipeline capacity on an approximately 19-mile pipeline
owned by Texas Gas, which serves TVA's Paradise Combined Cycle Facility. TVA had been accounting for the contract covering this arrangement as a financing transaction due to failed sale-leaseback treatment. The contract was revised during the fourth quarter of 2020 and is no longer deemed to contain a lease component. Accordingly, amounts related to the pipeline asset and financing obligation recorded in connection with this transaction were derecognized as of September 30, 2020. The current and long-term portions of less than $1 million and $80 million, respectively, of the financing obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2019.
Accrued Long-Term Service Agreement. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major
maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these
arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under
certain of these agreements, parts received and services rendered exceed payments made. The current and long-term portions
of the resulting obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on
TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, related liabilities of $15 million and $12 million, respectively, were recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
12. Asset Retirement Obligations
During the year ended September 30, 2020, TVA's total ARO liability increased $1.2 billion.
To estimate its decommissioning obligation related to its nuclear generating stations, TVA uses a probability-weighted, discounted cash flow model which, on a unit-by-unit basis, considers multiple outcome scenarios that include significant estimations and assumptions. Those assumptions include (1) estimates of the cost of decommissioning; (2) the method of decommissioning and the timing of the related cash flows; (3) the license period of the nuclear plant, considering the probability of license extensions; (4) cost escalation factors; and (5) the credit adjusted risk free rate to measure the obligation at the present value of the future estimated costs. TVA has ascribed probabilities to two different decommissioning methods related to its nuclear decommissioning obligation estimate: the DECON method and the SAFSTOR method. The DECON method requires radioactive contamination to be removed from a site and safely disposed of or decontaminated to a level that permits the site to be released for unrestricted use shortly after it ceases operation. The SAFSTOR method allows nuclear facilities to be placed and maintained in a condition that allows the facilities to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated to levels that permit release for unrestricted use.
TVA bases its nuclear decommissioning estimates on site-specific cost studies. The most recent study was approved and implemented in September 2017. An increase of $250 million was recorded to the nuclear AROs as a result of the updates. Site-specific cost studies are updated for each of TVA's nuclear units at least every five years.
TVA also has decommissioning obligations related to its non-nuclear generating sites, ash impoundments, transmission substation and distribution assets, and certain general facilities. To estimate its decommissioning obligation related to these assets, TVA uses estimations and assumptions for the amounts and timing of future expenditures and makes judgments concerning whether or not such costs are considered a legal obligation. Those assumptions include (1) estimates of the costs of decommissioning, (2) the method of decommissioning and the timing of the related cash flows, (3) the expected retirement date of each asset, (4) cost escalation factors, and (5) the credit adjusted risk free rate to measure the obligation at the present value of the future estimated costs. TVA bases its decommissioning estimates for each asset on its identified preferred closure method.
During 2020, the revisions in non-nuclear estimates increased $1.1 billion for the year ended September 30, 2020. In November 2019, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") released amendments to its regulations which govern solid waste disposal facilities, including TVA's active CCR facilities covered by a solid waste disposal permit and those which closed pursuant to a TDEC approved closure plan. Such facilities are generally subject to a 30-year post-closure care period during which the owner or operator must undertake certain activities, including monitoring and maintaining the facility. The amendments, among other things, add an additional 50-year period after the end of the post-closure care period, require TVA to submit recommendations as to what activities must be performed during this 50-year period to protect human health and
the environment, and require TVA to submit revised closure plans every 10 years. This regulatory revision resulted in an increase of $129 million, of which $38 million was related to operating CCR facilities and $91 million was related to inactive or closed CCR facilities. In June 2020, based on recent project cost data and estimates, TVA revised its AROs for closure-by-removal of certain CCR facilities at Allen Fossil Plant, resulting in an increase to AROs of $273 million. In September 2020, TVA completed an engineering review of its cost estimates to close the ash pond complex at Gallatin Fossil Plant, resulting in an increase of $173 million due to expected cost increases for excavation, disposal, and other activities required in a closure-by-removal project. Also in September 2020, TVA completed a study of its plant decommissioning obligations and CCR post-closure care and monitoring obligations. TVA increased its plant decommissioning obligations by $19 million, primarily due to asbestos and hazardous material abatement costs. TVA increased its CCR post-closure care and monitoring AROs primarily as a result of expected cost increases to monitor groundwater and maintain CCR areas after closure as well as increases in expected acreage to maintain after closure, totaling $460 million.
During 2019, the revisions in non-nuclear estimates increased $50 million for the year ended September 30, 2019. As a result of recent experience in completing settlements at certain facilities, costs for asbestos abatement activities across TVA's fossil fleet increased $114 million. TVA changed the preferred closure method for Allen West Impoundment from closure-in-place to closure-by-removal, which resulted in a cost increase of $33 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a $57 million decrease in costs for Paradise closure projects, and a $44 million decrease in costs for the Allen East Impoundment closure project. Additionally, as a result of the decision in TVA's favor by the Sixth Circuit in the lawsuit brought by TSRA and TCWN, as well as the June 2019 consent order filed in the case brought by TDEC, Gallatin discounted cash flows related to CCR closure and post-closure costs of $672 million have been recorded as Asset retirement obligations. The obligation is based upon the assumptions outlined in the consent order, including a new lined facility will be permitted and constructed on the Gallatin site and existing CCR materials in the existing wet ash disposal impoundments at Gallatin will be moved to this new facility over a 20-year period.
Additionally, during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, both the nuclear and non-nuclear liabilities were increased by periodic accretion, partially offset by settlement projects that were conducted during these periods. The nuclear and non-nuclear accretion amounts were deferred as regulatory assets. During 2020, 2019, and 2018, $169 million, $144 million, and $144 million, respectively, of the related regulatory assets were amortized into expense as these amounts were collected in rates. See Note 9 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. TVA maintains investment trusts to help fund its decommissioning obligations. See Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds and Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Decommissioning Costs for a discussion of the trusts' objectives and the current balances of the trusts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligation Activity
|
|
|
Nuclear
|
|
Non-Nuclear
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2018
|
$
|
2,989
|
|
|
$
|
1,790
|
|
|
$
|
4,779
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements
|
(7)
|
|
|
(82)
|
|
|
(89)
|
|
|
|
Revisions in estimate
|
—
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional obligations
|
18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
Gallatin CCR
|
—
|
|
|
672
|
|
|
672
|
|
|
|
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)
|
136
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2019
|
3,136
|
|
|
2,480
|
|
|
5,616
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements
|
(1)
|
|
|
(113)
|
|
|
(114)
|
|
|
|
Revisions in estimate
|
—
|
|
|
1,077
|
|
|
1,077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)
|
143
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2020
|
$
|
3,278
|
|
|
$
|
3,507
|
|
|
$
|
6,785
|
|
(1)
|
Note
(1) Includes $345 million and $163 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, in Current liabilities.
13. Debt and Other Obligations
General
The TVA Act authorizes TVA to issue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $30.0 billion at any time. At September 30, 2020, TVA had only two types of Bonds outstanding: power bonds and discount notes. Power bonds have maturities between one and 50 years, and discount notes have maturities of less than one year. Power bonds and discount notes are both issued pursuant to Section 15d of the TVA Act and pursuant to the Basic Tennessee Valley Authority Power Bond Resolution adopted by the TVA Board on October 6, 1960, as amended on September 28, 1976, October 17, 1989, and March 25, 1992 (the "Basic Resolution"). Bonds are not obligations of the U.S., and the U.S. does not guarantee the payments of principal or interest on Bonds.
Power bonds and discount notes rank on parity and have first priority of payment from net power proceeds, which are defined as the remainder of TVA's gross power revenues after deducting the costs of operating, maintaining, and administering its power properties and tax equivalent payments, but before deducting depreciation accruals or other charges representing the amortization of capital expenditures, plus the net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any power facility or interest therein.
TVA considers its scheduled rent payments under its leaseback transactions, as well as its scheduled payments under its lease financing arrangements involving John Sevier CCF and Southaven CCF, as costs of operating, maintaining, and administering its power properties. Costs of operating, maintaining, and administering TVA's power properties have priority over TVA's payments on the Bonds. Once net power proceeds have been applied to payments on power bonds and discount notes as well as any other Bonds that TVA may issue in the future that rank on parity with or subordinate to power bonds and discount notes, Section 2.3 of the Basic Resolution provides that the remaining net power proceeds shall be used only for (1) minimum payments into the U.S. Treasury required by the TVA Act as repayment of, and as a return on, the Power Program Appropriation Investment; (2) investment in power system assets; (3) additional reductions of TVA's capital obligations; and (4) other lawful purposes related to TVA's power business.
The TVA Act and the Basic Resolution each contain two bond tests: the rate test and the bondholder protection test. Under the rate test, TVA must charge rates for power which will produce gross revenues sufficient to provide funds for, among other things, debt service on outstanding Bonds. As of September 30, 2020, TVA was in compliance with the rate test. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — General. Under the bondholder protection test, TVA must, in successive five-year periods, use an amount of net power proceeds at least equal to the sum of (1) the depreciation accruals and other charges representing the amortization of capital expenditures and (2) the net proceeds from any disposition of power facilities for either the reduction of its capital obligations (including Bonds and the Power Program Appropriation Investment) or investment in power assets. TVA met the bondholder protection test for the five-year period ended September 30, 2020, and must next meet the bondholder protection test for the five-year period ending September 30, 2025.
Secured Debt of VIEs
On August 9, 2013, SCCG issued secured notes totaling $360 million that bear interest at a rate of 3.846 percent. The SCCG notes require amortizing semi-annual payments on each February 15 and August 15, and mature on August 15, 2033. Also on August 9, 2013, SCCG issued $40 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption. The proceeds from the secured notes issuance and the issuance of the membership interests were paid to TVA in accordance with the terms of the Southaven head lease. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities — Southaven VIE. TVA used the proceeds from the transaction primarily to fund the acquisition of the Southaven CCF from SSSL.
On January 17, 2012, JSCCG issued secured notes totaling $900 million in aggregate principal amount that bear interest at a rate of 4.626 percent. Also on January 17, 2012, Holdco issued secured notes totaling $100 million that bear interest at a rate of 7.1 percent. The JSCCG notes and the Holdco notes require amortizing semi-annual payments on each January 15 and July 15, and mature on January 15, 2042. The Holdco notes require a $10 million balloon payment upon maturity. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities — John Sevier VIEs. TVA used the proceeds from the transaction to meet its requirements under the TVA Act.
Secured debt of VIEs, including current maturities, outstanding at both September 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled $1.1 billion.
Secured Notes
On July 20, 2016, TVA acquired two entities, in a business combination, designed to administer rent payments TVA makes under certain of its lease/leaseback arrangements. On September 27, 2000, the entities issued secured notes totaling $255 million that had an interest rate of 7.299 percent and required amortizing semi-annual payments on each March 15 and September 15 with a maturity date of March 15, 2019. In 2016, TVA assumed these secured notes in the acquisition at a fair value of $78 million. The secured notes of the entities were paid in full in 2019.
On September 20, 2017, TVA acquired two entities, in an asset acquisition, designed to administer rent payments TVA makes under certain of its lease/leaseback arrangements. On November 14, 2001, the entities issued secured notes totaling $272 million that had an interest rate of 5.572 percent and required amortizing semi-annual payments on each May 1 and November 1 with a maturity date of May 1, 2020. In 2017, TVA assumed these secured notes in the acquisition at a fair value of $74 million. The secured notes of the entities, including current maturities, outstanding at September 30, 2019, totaled approximately $23 million, and are included in Notes payable on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The secured notes of the entities were paid in full in 2020.
Short-Term Debt
The following table provides information regarding TVA's short-term borrowings:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term Borrowings
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Gross amount outstanding - discount notes
|
$
|
57
|
|
|
$
|
922
|
|
|
$
|
1,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average interest rate - discount notes
|
0.06
|
%
|
|
2.15
|
%
|
|
2.05
|
%
|
Put and Call Options
At September 30, 2019, bond issues of $357 million held by the public were redeemable in whole or in part, at TVA's option, on call dates through 2020 and at call prices of 100 percent of the principal amount. Nine of these bond issues totaling $217 million, with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2043, included a "survivor's option," which allowed for right of redemption upon the death of a beneficial owner in certain specified circumstances. These bonds were classified as long-term at September 30, 2019. TVA subsequently announced in October 2019 that $217 million of callable bonds were redeemed at par on November 15, 2019.
Additionally, TVA has two issues of Putable Automatic Rate Reset Securities ("PARRS") outstanding. After a fixed-rate period of five years, the coupon rate on the PARRS may automatically be reset downward under certain market conditions on an annual basis. The coupon rate reset on the PARRS is based on a calculation. For both series of PARRS, the coupon rate will reset downward on the reset date if the rate calculated is below the then-current coupon rate on the Bond. The calculation dates, potential reset dates, and terms of the calculation are different for each series. The coupon rate on the 1998 Series D PARRS may be reset on June 1 (annually) if the sum of the five-day average of the 30-Year Constant Maturity Treasury ("CMT") rate for the week ending the last Friday in April, plus 94 basis points, is below the then-current coupon rate. The coupon rate on the 1999 Series A PARRS may be reset on May 1 (annually) if the sum of the five-day average of the 30-Year CMT rate for the week ending the last Friday in March, plus 84 basis points, is below the then-current coupon rate. The coupon rates may only be reset downward, but investors may request to redeem their Bonds at par value in conjunction with a coupon rate reset for a limited period of time prior to the reset dates under certain circumstances.
The coupon rate for the 1998 Series D PARRS, which mature in June 2028, has been reset eight times, from an initial rate of 6.750 percent to the current rate of 2.134 percent. In connection with these resets, $318 million of the Bonds have been redeemed; therefore, $256 million of the Bonds were outstanding at September 30, 2020. The coupon rate for the 1999 Series A PARRS, which mature in May 2029, has been reset seven times, from an initial rate of 6.50 percent to the current rate of 2.216 percent. In connection with these resets, $316 million of the Bonds have been redeemed; therefore, $208 million of the Bonds were outstanding at September 30, 2020.
Due to the contingent nature of the put option on the PARRS, TVA determines whether the PARRS should be classified as long-term debt or current maturities of long-term debt by calculating the expected reset rate for the Bonds on the calculation dates, described above. If the determination date for reset is before the balance sheet date of the reporting period and the expected reset rate is less than the then-current coupon rate on the PARRS, the PARRS are included in current maturities. Otherwise, the PARRS are included in long-term debt.
Debt Securities Activity
The table below summarizes the long-term debt securities activity for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt Securities Activity
For the years ended September 30
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Issues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020 Series A(1)
|
|
$
|
1,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Discount on debt issues
|
|
(3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
997
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemptions/Maturities(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
electronotes®
|
|
$
|
219
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
2013 Series A
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
2009 Series B
|
|
28
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
2018 Series A
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1999 Series A PARRS (TVE)
|
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1998 Series D PARRS (TVC)
|
|
17
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1995 Series B
|
|
140
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total redemptions/maturities of power bonds
|
|
1,427
|
|
|
1,035
|
|
|
Notes payable
|
|
23
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
Variable interest entities
|
|
39
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,489
|
|
|
$
|
1,119
|
|
Notes
(1) The 2020 Series A Bonds were issued at 99.7 percent of par.
(2) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.
Debt Outstanding
Total debt outstanding at September 30, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Debt
At September 30
|
|
CUSIP or Other Identifier
|
|
Maturity
|
|
Call/(Put) Date
|
|
Coupon Rate
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Short-term debt, net of discounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
57
|
|
|
$
|
922
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt of VIEs issued at par
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
Current maturities of notes payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
Current maturities of power bonds issued at par
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880591EF5
|
|
12/15/2019
|
|
|
|
3.770%
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
880591EF5
|
|
6/15/2020
|
|
|
|
3.770%
|
|
—
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
880591EF5
|
|
12/15/2020
|
|
|
|
3.770%
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
880591EF5
|
|
6/15/2021
|
|
|
|
3.770%
|
|
28
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
88059TEL1
|
|
11/15/2019
|
|
|
|
2.650%
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
88059TEL1
|
|
5/15/2020
|
|
|
|
2.650%
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880591EV0
|
|
3/15/2020
|
|
|
|
2.250%
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
880591EL2
|
|
2/15/2021
|
|
|
|
3.875%
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
880591DC3
|
|
6/7/2021
|
|
|
|
5.805%
|
|
258
|
|
(1)
|
—
|
|
|
Total current maturities of power bonds issued at par
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,787
|
|
|
1,030
|
|
|
Total current debt outstanding, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,885
|
|
|
$
|
2,014
|
|
Note
(1) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $73 million at September 30, 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt
At September 30
|
|
CUSIP or Other Identifier
|
|
Maturity
|
|
Coupon
Rate
|
|
Effective Call Date
|
|
2020 Par
|
|
2019 Par
|
|
Stock Exchange Listings
|
|
electronotes®(2)
|
|
5/15/2020 - 2/15/2043
|
|
2.375% - 3.625%
|
|
2/15/2015 - 2/15/2018 (5)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
217
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880591EL2
|
|
2/15/2021
|
|
3.875%
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591DC3
|
|
6/7/2021
|
|
5.805%
|
(3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
246
|
|
(1)
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591EN8
|
|
8/15/2022
|
|
1.875%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591ER9
|
|
9/15/2024
|
|
2.875%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591EW8
|
|
5/15/2025
|
|
0.750%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591CJ9
|
|
11/1/2025
|
|
6.750%
|
|
|
|
1,350
|
|
|
1,350
|
|
|
New York, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Singapore
|
|
880591EU2
|
|
2/1/2027
|
|
2.875%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591300(4)
|
|
6/1/2028
|
|
2.134%
|
|
|
|
256
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591409(4)
|
|
5/1/2029
|
|
2.216%
|
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591DM1
|
|
5/1/2030
|
|
7.125%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591DP4
|
|
6/7/2032
|
|
6.587%
|
(3)
|
|
|
323
|
|
(1)
|
307
|
|
(1)
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591DV1
|
|
7/15/2033
|
|
4.700%
|
|
|
|
472
|
|
|
472
|
|
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591EF5
|
|
6/15/2034
|
|
3.770%
|
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
246
|
|
|
None
|
|
880591DX7
|
|
6/15/2035
|
|
4.650%
|
|
|
|
436
|
|
|
436
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591CK6
|
|
4/1/2036
|
|
5.980%
|
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591CS9
|
|
4/1/2036
|
|
5.880%
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591CP5
|
|
1/15/2038
|
|
6.150%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591ED0
|
|
6/15/2038
|
|
5.500%
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591EH1
|
|
9/15/2039
|
|
5.250%
|
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591EP3
|
|
12/15/2042
|
|
3.500%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591DU3
|
|
6/7/2043
|
|
4.962%
|
(3)
|
|
|
194
|
|
(1)
|
185
|
|
(1)
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591CF7
|
|
7/15/2045
|
|
6.235%
|
|
7/15/2020
|
|
—
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591EB4
|
|
1/15/2048
|
|
4.875%
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
New York, Luxembourg
|
|
880591DZ2
|
|
4/1/2056
|
|
5.375%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591EJ7
|
|
9/15/2060
|
|
4.625%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
880591ES7
|
|
9/15/2065
|
|
4.250%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
New York
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,078
|
|
|
19,225
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs, and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(122)
|
|
|
(131)
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term outstanding power bonds, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,956
|
|
|
19,094
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt of VIEs, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,048
|
|
|
1,089
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,004
|
|
|
$
|
20,183
|
|
|
|
Notes
(1) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $80 million and $191 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) Includes one electronotes® issue with partial maturities of principal for each required annual payment.
(3) The coupon rate represents TVA's effective interest rate.
(4) TVA PARRS, CUSIP numbers 880591300 and 880591409, may be redeemed under certain conditions. See Put and Call Options above.
(5) The bonds were callable on or after the dates shown.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturities Due in the Year Ending September 30
|
|
|
2021
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2024
|
|
2025
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
Total
|
|
Long-term power bonds, long-term debt of VIEs, and notes payable including current maturities(1)
|
$
|
1,901
|
|
|
$
|
1,071
|
|
|
$
|
69
|
|
|
$
|
1,058
|
|
|
$
|
1,059
|
|
|
$
|
15,957
|
|
|
$
|
21,115
|
|
|
Short-term debt, net of discounts
|
57
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
57
|
|
Note
(1) Long-term power bonds does not include non-cash items of foreign currency exchange gain of $153 million, unamortized debt issue costs of $45 million, and net discount on sale of Bonds of $77 million. Long-term debt of VIE does not include non-cash item of unamortized debt issue costs of $8 million.
Credit Facility Agreements
TVA has funding available under four long-term revolving credit facilities totaling $2.7 billion: a $150 million credit facility that matures on December 11, 2021, a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on June 13, 2023, a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on September 28, 2023, and a $500 million credit facility that matures on February 1, 2025. The interest rate on any borrowing under these facilities varies based on market factors and the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. TVA is required to pay an unused facility fee on the portion of the total $2.7 billion that TVA has not borrowed or committed under letters of credit. This fee, along with letter of credit fees, may fluctuate depending on the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding under these facilities, and there were no borrowings outstanding. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Other Derivative Instruments — Collateral.
The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's funding available under the four long-term revolving credit facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Long-Term Credit Facilities
At September 30, 2020
|
|
Maturity Date
|
|
Facility Limit
|
|
Letters of Credit Outstanding
|
|
Cash Borrowings
|
|
Availability
|
|
December 2021
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
|
$
|
38
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
112
|
|
|
June 2023
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
568
|
|
|
September 2023
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
487
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
513
|
|
|
February 2025
|
|
500
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,650
|
|
|
$
|
1,457
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,193
|
|
TVA and the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to the TVA Act, have entered into a memorandum of understanding under which the U.S. Treasury provides TVA with a $150 million credit facility. This credit facility was renewed for 2021 with a maturity date of September 30, 2021. Access to this credit facility or other similar financing arrangements with the U.S. Treasury has been available to TVA since the 1960s. TVA can borrow under the U.S. Treasury credit facility only if it cannot issue Bonds in the market on reasonable terms, and TVA considers the U.S. Treasury credit facility a secondary source of liquidity. The interest rate on any borrowing under this facility is based on the average rate on outstanding marketable obligations of the U.S. with maturities from date of issue of one year or less. There were no outstanding borrowings under the facility at September 30, 2020. The availability of this credit facility may be impacted by how the U.S. government addresses the possibility of approaching its debt limit.
Lease/Leasebacks
TVA previously entered into leasing transactions to obtain third-party financing for 24 peaking CTs as well as certain qualified technological equipment and software ("QTE"). Due to TVA's continuing involvement with the combustion turbine facilities and the QTE during the leaseback term, TVA accounted for the lease proceeds as financing obligations. On September 30, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding leaseback obligations related to the remaining CTs and QTE were $223 million and $263 million, respectively. In March 2019, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight CTs, and TVA had previously acquired the equity interests related to these transactions. These transactions were terminated in July 2019. In May 2020, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight additional CTs, and TVA had previously acquired the equity interest related to these transactions. Rent payments under the remaining CT lease/leaseback transactions are scheduled to be made through January 2022. TVA does have the option to acquire the equity interests related to transactions involving the remaining eight CTs for additional amounts. In addition, on October 30, 2019, TVA provided notice of its intent to purchase the ownership interest in certain QTE. Repurchase payments are expected to be paid through a series of installments in 2021 and 2022, after which the associated leases will be terminated.
14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI represents market valuation adjustments related to TVA's currency swaps. The currency swaps are cash flow hedges and are the only derivatives in TVA's portfolio that have been designated and qualify for hedge accounting treatment. TVA records exchange rate gains and losses on its foreign currency-denominated debt and any related accrued interest in net income and marks its currency swap assets and liabilities to market through other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). TVA then reclassifies an amount out of AOCI into net income, offsetting the exchange gain/loss recorded on the debt. For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, TVA reclassified $38 million of gains and $45 million of losses, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges from AOCI to Interest expense. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions.
TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. As such, certain items that would generally be reported in AOCI or that would impact the statements of operations are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. See Note 9 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for a schedule of regulatory assets and liabilities. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions for a discussion of the recognition in AOCI of gains and losses associated with certain derivative contracts. See Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of the recognition of certain investment fund gains and losses as regulatory assets and liabilities. See Note 21 — Benefit Plans for a discussion of the regulatory accounting related to components of TVA's benefit plans.
15. Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions
TVA is exposed to various risks related to commodity prices, investment prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and inflation as well as counterparty credit and performance risks. To help manage certain of these risks, TVA has historically entered into various derivative transactions, principally commodity option contracts, forward contracts, swaps, swaptions, futures, and options on futures. Other than certain derivative instruments in its trust investment funds, it is TVA's policy to enter into these derivative transactions solely for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes. During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts because these contracts no longer meet the criteria of net settlement. As a result, the associated $10 million net derivative liabilities have been derecognized. TVA suspended its FTP in 2014 and no longer uses financial instruments to hedge risks related to commodity prices; however, TVA plans to continue to manage fuel price volatility through other methods and is currently reevaluating its suspended FTP program for future use of financial instruments.
Overview of Accounting Treatment
TVA recognizes certain of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of these instruments depends on (1) whether TVA uses regulatory accounting to defer the derivative gains and losses, (2) whether the derivative instrument has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, and (3) if so, the type of hedge relationship (for example, cash flow hedge).
The following tables summarize the accounting treatment that certain of TVA's financial derivative transactions receive:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 1)
Amount of Mark-to-Market Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the years ended September 30
|
|
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
|
|
Objective of Hedge Transaction
|
|
Accounting for Derivative
Hedging Instrument
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Currency swaps
|
|
To protect against changes in cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (exchange rate risk)
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and reclassified to Interest expense to the extent they are offset by gains and losses on the hedged transaction
|
|
$
|
(1)
|
|
|
$
|
(114)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 2)(1)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Expense
For the years ended September 30
|
|
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Currency swaps
|
|
$
|
38
|
|
|
$
|
(45)
|
|
Note
(1) There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $27 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives(1)
For the years ended September 30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative Type
|
|
Objective of Derivative(2)
|
|
Accounting for Derivative Instrument
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
|
To fix short-term debt variable rate to a fixed rate (interest rate risk)
|
|
Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
Realized gains and losses are recognized in Interest expense when incurred during the settlement period and are presented in operating cash flow
|
|
$
|
(97)
|
|
|
$
|
(79)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
|
To protect against fluctuations in market prices of purchased coal or natural gas (price risk)
|
|
Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
Realized gains and losses due to contract settlements are recognized in Fuel expense as incurred
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
(1) All of TVA's derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment have unrealized gains (losses) that would otherwise be recognized in income but instead are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. As such, there were no related gains (losses) recognized in income for these unrealized gains (losses) for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
(2) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Values of TVA Derivatives
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Derivatives That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
Balance
|
|
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
Currency swaps
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
£200 million Sterling
|
$
|
(78)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(78)
|
|
$
|
(90)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(6); Other long-term liabilities $(84)
|
|
£250 million Sterling
|
(63)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(5); Other long-term liabilities $(58)
|
|
(61)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(5); Other long-term liabilities $(56)
|
|
£150 million Sterling
|
(68)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(65)
|
|
(57)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(4); Other long-term liabilities $(53)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
Balance
|
|
Balance Sheet Presentation
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1.0 billion notional
|
$
|
(1,449)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,369)
|
|
$
|
(1,261)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities $(29); Accrued interest $(33);
Other long-term liabilities
$(1,199)
|
|
$476 million notional
|
(588)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(556)
|
|
(498)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities $(15); Accrued interest $(9);
Other long-term liabilities
$(474)
|
|
$42 million notional
|
(4)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(2); Other long-term liabilities $(2)
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities $(1); Accrued interest $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(3)
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
46
|
|
|
Other current assets $26; Other long-term assets $23; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3)
|
|
(41)
|
|
|
Other current assets $12; Other long-term liabilities $(16); Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(37)
|
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps
To protect against exchange rate risk related to three British pound sterling denominated Bond transactions, TVA entered into foreign currency hedges at the time the Bond transactions occurred. TVA had the following currency swaps outstanding at September 30, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency Swaps Outstanding
September 30, 2020
|
|
Effective Date of Currency Swap Contract
|
|
Associated TVA Bond Issues Currency Exposure
|
|
Expiration Date of Swap
|
|
Overall Effective
Cost to TVA
|
|
1999
|
|
£200 million
|
|
2021
|
|
5.81%
|
|
2001
|
|
£250 million
|
|
2032
|
|
6.59%
|
|
2003
|
|
£150 million
|
|
2043
|
|
4.96%
|
When the dollar strengthens against the British pound sterling, the exchange gain on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of loss on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. Conversely, the exchange loss on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of gain on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. All such exchange gains or losses on the Bond liability and related accrued interest are included in Long-term debt, net and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, respectively. The offsetting exchange losses or gains on the swap contracts are recognized in AOCI. If any gain (loss) were to be incurred as a result of the early termination of the foreign currency swap contract, the resulting income (expense) would be amortized over the remaining life of the associated Bond as a component of Interest expense. The values of the currency swap liabilities are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment
Interest Rate Derivatives. Generally TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate, and TVA uses regulatory accounting treatment to defer the MtM gains and losses on its interest rate swaps. The net deferred unrealized gains and losses are classified as regulatory assets or liabilities on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are included in the ratemaking formula when gains or losses are realized. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Accrued interest, and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and realized gains and losses, if any, are included in TVA's Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the changes in fair market value of the interest rate swaps resulted in the deferral of unrealized losses of $272 million and $565 million, respectively. TVA may hold short-term debt balances lower than the notional amount of the interest rate swaps from time to time due to changes in business conditions and other factors. While actual balances vary, TVA generally plans to maintain average balances of short-term debt equal to or in excess of the combined notional amount of the interest rate swaps.
Commodity Derivatives. TVA enters into certain commodity contracts for coal and natural gas that require physical delivery of the contracted quantity of the commodity. During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts. TVA marks to market natural gas contracts and defers the fair market values as regulatory assets or liabilities on a gross basis. At September 30, 2020, TVA's natural gas contract derivatives had terms of up to four years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity Contract Derivatives
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
|
Number of Contracts
|
|
Notional Amount
|
|
Fair Value (MtM)
|
|
Number of Contracts
|
|
Notional Amount
|
|
Fair Value (MtM)
|
|
Coal contract derivatives
|
—
|
|
— million tons
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
8
|
|
9 million tons
|
|
$
|
(4)
|
|
|
Natural gas contract derivatives
|
42
|
|
302 million mmBtu
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
65
|
|
330 million mmBtu
|
|
$
|
(37)
|
|
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities
The amounts of TVA's derivative instruments as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2019, are shown in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative Assets and Liabilities(1)
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
At September 30, 2019
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement
|
$
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency swaps(2)
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
208
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps(2)
|
2,041
|
|
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
|
Total derivatives subject to master netting or similar arrangement
|
2,250
|
|
|
|
|
1,972
|
|
|
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
2,253
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
(1) Offsetting amounts primarily include counterparty netting of derivative contracts, margin account deposits for futures commission merchants transactions, and cash collateral received or paid in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging transactions. There were no offsetting amounts on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets at either September 30, 2020 or 2019.
(2) Letters of credit of approximately $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion were posted as collateral at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to partially secure the liability positions of one of the currency swaps and one of the interest rate swaps in accordance with the collateral requirements for these derivatives.
Other Derivative Instruments
Investment Fund Derivatives. Investment funds consist primarily of funds held in the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP. See Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds for a discussion of the trusts, plans, and types of investments. The NDT and ART may invest in derivative instruments which may include swaps, futures, options, forwards, and other instruments. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the NDT held investments in forward contracts to purchase debt securities. The fair values of these derivatives were in net asset positions totaling $13 million and $22 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Collateral. TVA's interest rate swaps and currency swaps contain contract provisions that require a party to post collateral (in a form such as cash or a letter of credit) when the party's liability balance under the agreement exceeds a certain threshold. At September 30, 2020, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features that were in a liability position was $2.2 billion. TVA's collateral obligations at September 30, 2020, under these arrangements, were approximately $1.5 billion, for which TVA had posted approximately $1.5 billion in letters of credit. These letters of credit reduce the available balance under the related credit facilities. TVA's assessment of the risk of its nonperformance includes a reduction in its exposure under the contract as a result of this posted collateral.
For all of its derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features:
•If TVA remains a majority-owned U.S. government entity but Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") downgrades TVA's credit rating to AA or Aa2, respectively, TVA's collateral obligations would likely increase by $22 million, and
•If TVA ceases to be majority-owned by the U.S. government, TVA's credit rating would likely be downgraded and TVA would be required to post additional collateral.
Counterparty Risk
TVA may be exposed to certain risks when a counterparty has the potential to fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms. These risks may be related to credit, operational, or nonperformance matters. To mitigate certain counterparty risk, TVA analyzes the counterparty's financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establishes credit limits, monitors the appropriateness of those limits, as well as any changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparty, on an ongoing basis, and when required, employs credit mitigation measures, such as collateral or prepayment arrangements and master purchase and sale agreements.
Customers. TVA is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable from delivered power sales to LPCs, and from industries and federal agencies directly served, all located in the Tennessee Valley region. Of the $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion of receivables from power sales outstanding at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, nearly all counterparties were rated investment grade. The obligations of customers that are not investment grade are secured by collateral. TVA is also exposed to risk from exchange power arrangements with a small number of investor-owned regional
utilities related to either delivered power or the replacement of open positions of longer-term purchased power or fuel agreements. TVA believes its policies and procedures for counterparty performance risk reviews have generally protected TVA against significant exposure related to market and economic conditions. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts and Note 3 — Accounts Receivable, Net.
TVA had revenue from two LPCs that collectively accounted for 17 percent of total operating revenue for the years ended both September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.
Suppliers. TVA assesses potential supplier performance risks, including procurement of fuel, parts, and services. If suppliers are unable to perform under TVA's existing contracts or if TVA is unable to obtain similar services from other vendors, TVA could experience delays, disruptions, additional costs, or other operational outcomes that may impact generation, maintenance, and capital programs. If one of TVA's fuel or purchased power suppliers fails to perform under the terms of its contract with TVA, TVA might lose the money that it paid to the supplier under the contract and have to purchase replacement fuel or power on the spot market, perhaps at a significantly higher price than TVA was entitled to pay under the contract. In addition, TVA might not be able to acquire replacement fuel or power in a timely manner and thus might be unable to satisfy its own obligations to deliver power.
Natural Gas. TVA purchases the majority of its natural gas requirements from a variety of suppliers under primarily short-term contracts. In the event of nonperformance by these suppliers, TVA believes that it can obtain replacement natural gas.
Coal. To help ensure a reliable supply of coal, TVA had coal contracts with multiple suppliers at September 30, 2020. The contracted supply of coal is sourced from multiple geographic regions of the United States and is to be delivered via various transportation methods (e.g., barge, rail, and truck). Emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and low natural gas prices have contributed to weak demand for coal. As a result, coal suppliers are facing increased financial pressure, which has led to relatively poor credit ratings and bankruptcies. Continued difficulties by coal suppliers, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in consolidations, additional bankruptcies, restructuring, contract renegotiations, or other scenarios.
Nuclear Fuel. Nuclear fuel is obtained predominantly through long-term uranium concentrate supply contracts, contracted conversion services, contracted enrichment services, or a combination thereof, and contracted fuel fabrication services. The supply markets for uranium concentrates and certain nuclear fuel services are subject to price fluctuations and availability restrictions. Supply market conditions may make procurement contracts subject to credit risk related to the potential nonperformance of counterparties. In the event of nonperformance by these or other suppliers, TVA believes that replacement uranium concentrate and nuclear fuel services can be obtained, although at prices that may be unfavorable when compared to the prices under the current supply agreements.
Purchased Power. TVA has a power purchase agreement that expires on March 31, 2032, with a supplier of electricity for 440 megawatts ("MW") of summer net capability from a lignite-fired generating plant. TVA has determined that the supplier has the equivalent of a non-investment grade credit rating; therefore, the supplier has provided credit assurance to TVA under the terms of the agreement.
Other Suppliers. At this time, TVA has experienced minimal impacts due to force majeure events, with the exception of a manufacturing delay for a major turbine component. A mitigation strategy was developed by TVA and the vendor to reduce projected delays and impacts to TVA's outage schedule. TVA will continue to monitor the supply base and remain in contact with suppliers to identify potential risks.
Derivative Counterparties. TVA has entered into physical and financial contracts that qualify as derivatives for hedging purposes, and TVA's NDT, ART, and qualified defined benefit pension plan have entered into derivative contracts for investment purposes. If a counterparty to one of the physical or financial derivative transactions defaults, TVA might incur substantial costs in connection with entering into a replacement transaction. If a counterparty to the derivative contracts into which the NDT, the ART, and the qualified pension plan have entered for investment purposes defaults, the value of the investment could decline significantly or perhaps become worthless. TVA has concentrations of credit risk from the banking, coal, and gas industries because multiple companies in these industries serve as counterparties to TVA in various derivative transactions. At September 30, 2020, all of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps as well as all of the derivatives in the NDT and ART were with banking counterparties whose Moody's credit ratings were A3 or higher.
TVA classifies qualified forward natural gas contracts as derivatives. See Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment above. At September 30, 2020, the natural gas contracts were with counterparties whose ratings ranged from Caa2 to A2. TVA recognizes the slowdown in demand and the impacts on the oil and gas industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. TVA will continue to monitor the impacts and affected credit ratings and enforce contract performance assurance provisions when applicable.
16. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the asset or liability's principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. TVA uses market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.
Valuation Techniques
The measurement of fair value results in classification into a hierarchy by the inputs used to determine the fair value as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
—
|
|
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible by the reporting entity for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing.
|
Level 2
|
—
|
|
Pricing inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are based on observable market data and that are directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. These include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, adjusted quoted market prices, inputs from observable data such as interest rate and yield curves, volatilities and default rates observable at commonly quoted intervals, and inputs derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
|
|
Level 3
|
—
|
|
Pricing inputs that are unobservable, or less observable, from objective sources. Unobservable inputs are only to be used to the extent observable inputs are not available. These inputs maintain the concept of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant and should reflect assumptions of other market participants. An entity should consider all market participant assumptions that are available without unreasonable cost and effort. These are given the lowest priority and are generally used in internally developed methodologies to generate management's best estimate of the fair value when no observable market data is available.
|
A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy (where Level 1 is the highest and Level 3 is the lowest) is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement.
The following sections describe the valuation methodologies TVA uses to measure different financial instruments at fair value. Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, all changes in fair value of these assets and liabilities have been recorded as changes in regulatory assets, regulatory liabilities, or AOCI on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, there has been no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to these fair value measurements.
Investment Funds
At September 30, 2020, Investment funds were comprised of $3.2 billion of equity securities and debt securities classified as trading measured at fair value. Equity and trading debt securities are held in the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP. The NDT holds funds for the ultimate decommissioning of TVA's nuclear power plants. The ART holds funds primarily for the costs related to the future closure and retirement of TVA's other long-lived assets. The balances in the NDT and ART were $2.2 billion and $866 million, respectively, at September 30, 2020.
TVA established a SERP to provide benefits to selected employees of TVA which are comparable to those provided by competing organizations. The DCP is designed to provide participants with the ability to defer compensation to future periods. The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP funds are invested in portfolios of securities generally designed to achieve a return in line with overall equity and debt market performance.
The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP are composed of multiple types of investments and are managed by external institutional investment managers. Most U.S. and international equities, U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, real estate investment trust securities, and cash securities and certain derivative instruments are measured based on quoted exchange prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 valuations. Fixed-income investments, high-yield fixed-income investments, currencies, and most derivative instruments are non-exchange traded and are classified as Level 2 valuations. These measurements are based on market and income approaches with observable market inputs.
Private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments may include holdings of investments in private real estate, venture capital, buyout, mezzanine or subordinated debt, restructuring or distressed debt, and special situations through funds managed by third-party investment managers. These investments generally involve a three-to-four-year period where the investor contributes capital, followed by a period of distribution, typically over several years. The investment period is generally, at a minimum, 10 years or longer. The NDT had unfunded commitments related to limited partnerships in private equity of $218 million, private real assets of $67 million, and private credit of $33 million at September 30,
2020. The ART had unfunded commitments related to limited partnerships in private equity of $133 million, private real assets of $54 million, and private credit of $16 million at September 30, 2020. These investments have no redemption or limited redemption options and may also impose restrictions on the NDT's and ART's ability to liquidate their investments. There are no readily available quoted exchange prices for these investments. The fair value of these investments is based on information provided by the investment managers. These investments are valued on a quarterly basis. TVA's private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments are valued at net asset values ("NAV") as a practical expedient for fair value. TVA classifies its interest in these types of investments as investments measured at NAV in the fair value hierarchy.
Commingled funds represent investment funds comprising multiple individual financial instruments. The commingled funds held by the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP consist of either a single class of securities, such as equity, debt, or foreign currency securities, or multiple classes of securities. All underlying positions in these commingled funds are either exchange traded or measured using observable inputs for similar instruments. The fair value of commingled funds is based on NAV per fund share (the unit of account), derived from the prices of the underlying securities in the funds. These commingled funds can be redeemed at the measurement date NAV and are classified as Commingled funds measured at net asset value in the fair value hierarchy.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity and trading debt securities are recognized in current earnings and are based on average cost. The gains and losses of the NDT and ART are subsequently reclassified to a regulatory asset or liability account in accordance with TVA's regulatory accounting policy. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Cost-Based Regulation. TVA recorded unrealized gains and losses related to its equity and trading debt securities held during each period as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
At or for the years ended September 30
|
|
Fund
|
Financial Statement Presentation
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
NDT
|
Regulatory asset
|
|
$
|
37
|
|
|
$
|
(112)
|
|
|
ART
|
Regulatory asset
|
|
32
|
|
|
(70)
|
|
|
SERP
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
DCP
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
2
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA has experienced fluctuations related to its ART and NDT investment portfolio during 2020. The losses experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2020, have been recovered. For the year ended September 30, 2020, the NDT increased in value $123 million compared to the year ended September 30, 2019. Despite this volatility, TVA's NDT funding as of September 30, 2020, continues to be fully funded per the NRC funding requirements.
Currency and Interest Rate Derivatives
See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps and Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment for a discussion of the nature, purpose, and contingent features of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps. These swaps are classified as Level 2 valuations and are valued based on income approaches using observable market inputs for similar instruments.
Commodity Contract Derivatives
See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment. Most of these contracts are valued based on market approaches which utilize short-term and mid-term market-quoted prices from an external industry brokerage service.
Nonperformance Risk
The assessment of nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk, considers changes in current market conditions, readily available information on nonperformance risk, letters of credit, collateral, other arrangements available, and the nature of master netting arrangements. TVA is a counterparty to currency swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity contracts, and other derivatives which subject TVA to nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk on the majority of investments and certain exchange-traded instruments held by TVA is incorporated into the exit price that is derived from quoted market data that is used to mark the investment to market.
Nonperformance risk for most of TVA's derivative instruments is an adjustment to the initial asset/liability fair value. TVA adjusts for nonperformance risk, both of TVA (for liabilities) and the counterparty (for assets), by applying credit valuation adjustments ("CVAs"). TVA determines an appropriate CVA for each applicable financial instrument based on the term of the instrument and TVA's or the counterparty's credit rating as obtained from Moody's. For companies that do not have an observable credit rating, TVA uses internal analysis to assign a comparable rating to the counterparty. TVA discounts each
financial instrument using the historical default rate (as reported by Moody's for CY 1983 to CY 2019) for companies with a similar credit rating over a time period consistent with the remaining term of the contract. The application of CVAs resulted in a less than $1 million decrease in the fair value of assets and a $1 million decrease in the fair value of liabilities at September 30, 2020.
Fair Value Measurements
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, TVA's financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2020 and 2019. Financial assets and liabilities have been classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. TVA's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities and their classification in the fair value hierarchy levels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Total
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
Government debt securities(1)
|
485
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
Corporate debt securities(2)
|
—
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
|
—
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
Institutional mutual funds
|
188
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
Forward debt securities contracts
|
—
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
194
|
|
|
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
168
|
|
|
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,174
|
|
|
Total investments
|
1,173
|
|
|
436
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
—
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
1,173
|
|
|
$
|
485
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,247
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Liabilities
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Total
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency swaps(4)
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
—
|
|
|
2,041
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,041
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
—
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,253
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,253
|
|
Notes
(1) Includes government-sponsored entities.
(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.
(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4) TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements
At September 30, 2019
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Total
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
$
|
464
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
464
|
|
|
Government debt securities
|
279
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
344
|
|
|
Corporate debt securities
|
—
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
|
—
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
Institutional mutual funds
|
250
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
Forward debt securities contracts
|
—
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
Private credit measured at net asset value(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments
|
993
|
|
|
536
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,968
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
—
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
993
|
|
|
$
|
543
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
$
|
2,980
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Liabilities
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Total
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency swaps(2)
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
208
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
208
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
—
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
—
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,016
|
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
2,025
|
|
Notes
(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts. TVA previously used internal valuation specialists for the calculation of its commodity contract derivatives fair value measurements classified as Level 3. Analytical testing was performed on the change in fair value measurements each period to ensure the valuation is reasonable based on changes in general market assumptions. Significant changes to the estimated data used for unobservable inputs, in isolation or combination, may result in significant variations to the fair value measurement reported.
The following table presents a reconciliation of all commodity contract derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
|
|
|
Commodity Contract Derivatives
|
|
Balance at October 1, 2018
|
$
|
58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities
|
(62)
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2019
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements
|
(1)
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities
|
5
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2020
|
$
|
—
|
|
The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of fair value of TVA's assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
|
|
|
Fair Value at September 30, 2019
|
|
Valuation Technique(s)
|
|
Unobservable Inputs
|
|
Range
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
Pricing model
|
|
Coal supply and demand
|
|
0.4 - 0.8 billion tons/year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term market prices
|
|
$12.10 - $94.51/ton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity contract derivatives
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
Pricing model
|
|
Coal supply and demand
|
|
0.4 - 0.8 billion tons/year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term market prices
|
|
$12.10 - $94.51/ton
|
Other Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
TVA uses the methods and assumptions described below to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments. The fair value of the financial instruments held at September 30, 2020 and 2019, may not be representative of the actual gains or losses that will be recorded when these instruments mature or are called or presented for early redemption. The estimated values of TVA's financial instruments not recorded at fair value at September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
At September 30, 2020
|
|
At September 30, 2019
|
|
|
Valuation Classification
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
EnergyRight® receivables (including current portion)
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
87
|
|
|
$
|
86
|
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
105
|
|
|
$
|
93
|
|
|
$
|
131
|
|
|
$
|
120
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
97
|
|
|
$
|
108
|
|
|
$
|
113
|
|
|
$
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unfunded loan commitments
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
26
|
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
$
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
19,743
|
|
|
$
|
26,630
|
|
|
$
|
20,124
|
|
|
$
|
26,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
1,089
|
|
|
$
|
1,419
|
|
|
$
|
1,128
|
|
|
$
|
1,371
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term notes payable (including current maturities)
|
Level 2
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
The carrying value of Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, and Short-term debt, net approximate their fair values.
The fair value for loans and other long-term receivables is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using a discount rate equal to lending rates for similar loans made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities, where applicable. The fair value of long-term debt and membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using current market rates for similar obligations, giving effect to credit ratings and remaining maturities.
17. Revenue
TVA adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers effective October 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption, which does not require restatement of prior year reported results. As a result of the adoption of this standard, no cumulative effect adjustment was recorded. Additionally, comparative disclosures for 2018 operating results with
the previous revenue recognition rules are not applicable as TVA's revenue recognition has not materially changed as a result of the new standard.
Revenue from Sales of Electricity
TVA's revenue from contracts with customers is primarily derived from the generation and sale of electricity to its customers and is included in Revenue from sales of electricity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Electricity is sold primarily to LPCs for distribution to their end-use customers. In addition, TVA sells electricity to directly served industrial companies, federal agencies, and others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LPC sales
|
Approximately 93 percent of TVA's revenue from sales of electricity is to LPCs, which then distribute the power to their customers using their own distribution systems. Power is delivered to each LPC at delivery points within the LPC's service territory. TVA recognizes revenue when the customer takes possession of the power at the delivery point. For power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time because the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered.
The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Credits are designed to achieve objectives of the TVA Act and include items such as hydro preference credits for residential customers of LPCs, economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, wholesale bill credits to maintain long-term partnerships with LPCs, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.
|
|
|
|
Directly served customers
|
Directly served customers, including industrial customers, federal agencies, and other customers, take power for their own consumption. Similar to LPCs, power is delivered to a delivery point, at which time the customer takes possession and TVA recognizes revenue. For all power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time since the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered.
The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Examples of credits include items such as economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.
|
Other Revenue
Other revenue consists primarily of wheeling and network transmission charges, sales of excess steam that is a by-product of power production, delivery point charges for interconnection points between TVA and the customer, and certain other ancillary goods or services.
Disaggregated Revenue
In 2020, the revenues generated from TVA's electricity sales were $10.1 billion and accounted for virtually all of TVA's revenues. TVA's revenues by state for each of the last three years are detailed in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues By State
For the years ended September 30
(in millions)
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Alabama
|
$
|
1,439
|
|
|
$
|
1,593
|
|
|
$
|
1,600
|
|
|
Georgia
|
249
|
|
|
270
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
Kentucky
|
624
|
|
|
691
|
|
|
696
|
|
|
Mississippi
|
941
|
|
|
1,063
|
|
|
1,052
|
|
|
North Carolina
|
65
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
Tennessee
|
6,740
|
|
|
7,419
|
|
|
7,350
|
|
|
Virginia
|
42
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
Subtotal
|
10,100
|
|
|
11,155
|
|
|
11,079
|
|
|
Off-system sales
|
4
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
Revenue capitalized during pre-commercial plant operations(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
Revenue from sales of electricity
|
10,104
|
|
|
11,159
|
|
|
11,075
|
|
|
Other revenue
|
145
|
|
|
159
|
|
|
158
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
$
|
10,249
|
|
|
$
|
11,318
|
|
|
$
|
11,233
|
|
Note
(1) Represents revenue capitalized during pre-commercial operations of $11 million at Allen CC in 2018. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Pre-Commercial Plant Operations.
TVA's operating revenues by customer type for each of the last three years are detailed in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues by Customer Type
For the years ended September 30
(in millions)
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Revenue from sales of electricity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local power companies(1)
|
$
|
9,406
|
|
|
$
|
10,351
|
|
|
$
|
10,262
|
|
|
Industries directly served
|
588
|
|
|
686
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
Federal agencies and other
|
110
|
|
|
122
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
Revenue capitalized during pre-commercial plant operations(2)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
Revenue from sales of electricity
|
10,104
|
|
|
11,159
|
|
|
11,075
|
|
|
Other revenue
|
145
|
|
|
159
|
|
|
158
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
$
|
10,249
|
|
|
$
|
11,318
|
|
|
$
|
11,233
|
|
Notes
(1) The amount for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, is net of $163 million and $14 million, respectively, of wholesale bill credits to LPCs participating in the long-term Partnership Agreement. There were no such credits in 2018.
(2) Represents revenue capitalized during pre-commercial operations of $11 million at Allen CC in 2018. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Pre-Commercial Plant Operations.
TVA and LPCs continue to work together to meet the changing needs of consumers around the Tennessee Valley. In 2019, the TVA Board approved a 20-year Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. These agreements are automatically extended each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs will receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. In June 2020, TVA provided participating LPCs a flexibility option that allows them to locally generate up to approximately five percent of average total hourly energy sales over the prior five years in order to meet their individual customers' needs. As of November 16, 2020, 142 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA, and 64 LPCs had signed a Flexibility Agreement.
In August 2020, the TVA Board approved a $200 million Pandemic Relief Credit. The 2.5 percent base rate credit will be applied beginning in October 2020 and will remain in effect through the end of 2021. The credit will apply to service provided to TVA's local power company customers, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers.
The number of LPCs with the contract arrangements described below, the revenues derived from such arrangements during 2020, and the percentage of TVA's total operating revenues during 2020 represented by these revenues are summarized in the tables below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TVA Local Power Company Contracts
At or for the year ended September 30, 2020
|
|
Contract Arrangements(1)
|
Number of LPCs
|
|
Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs
(in millions)
|
|
Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
|
|
20-year termination notice
|
142
|
|
|
$
|
7,666
|
|
|
74.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5-year termination notice
|
11
|
|
|
1,740
|
|
|
17.0
|
%
|
|
Total(2)
|
153
|
|
|
$
|
9,406
|
|
|
91.8
|
%
|
Notes
(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.
(2) TVA wholesale power contracts decreased to 153 in 2020 due to a merger between two LPCs in July 2020.
TVA's two largest LPCs — MLGW and NES — have contracts with a five-year and a 20-year termination notice period, respectively. Sales to MLGW and NES accounted for nine percent and eight percent, respectively, of TVA's total operating revenues in 2020. In May 2020, MLGW published a draft IRP to guide energy choices in the future, and in July 2020, TVA made a proposal to MLGW that highlights the benefits of remaining a TVA customer. In August 2020, MLGW published a final IRP and announced its plan to issue requests for proposal to validate the cost estimates included in the IRP. In addition, certain other LPCs are evaluating options for future energy choices.
Contract Balances
Contract assets represent an entity's right to consideration in exchange for goods and services that the entity has transferred to customers. TVA does not have any material contract assets as of September 30, 2020.
Contract liabilities represent an entity's obligations to transfer goods or services to customers for which the entity has received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the customers. These contract liabilities are primarily related to upfront consideration received prior to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Energy Prepayment Obligations. In 2004, TVA and its largest customer, MLGW, entered into an energy prepayment agreement under which MLGW prepaid TVA $1.5 billion for the future costs of electricity to be delivered by TVA to MLGW over a period of 15 years. TVA accounted for the prepayment as unearned revenue and reported the obligation to deliver power under this arrangement as Energy prepayment obligations. The arrangement ceased in 2019. TVA recognized approximately $100 million of noncash revenue in each year of the arrangement as electricity was delivered to MLGW based on the ratio of units of kilowatt hours delivered to total units of kilowatt hours under contract. As of September 30, 2019, $1.5 billion had been recognized as noncash revenue on a cumulative basis during the life of the agreement, $100 million of which was recognized as noncash revenue and a corresponding reduction in the balance of Energy prepayment obligations during 2018. During 2019, $10 million was recognized as noncash revenue and a corresponding reduction in the balance of Energy prepayment obligations. Discounts to account for the time value of money, which were recorded as a reduction to electricity sales, amounted to $4 million and $46 million during 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Economic Development Incentives. Under certain economic development programs TVA offers incentives to existing and potential power customers in targeted business sectors that make multi-year commitments to invest in the Tennessee Valley. TVA records those incentives as reductions of revenue. In 2020 and 2019, TVA recorded a total of $318 million and $310 million, respectively, in incentives as a reduction of revenue. Incentives that have been approved but have not been paid are recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding unpaid incentives were $172 million and $157 million, respectively. Incentives that have been paid out may be subject to claw back if the customer fails to meet certain program requirements. Additionally, in May 2020, TVA established flexibility provisions to support the continued operations and recovery of participating customers experiencing financial and operational hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic downturn. These provisions have not had a material impact to TVA.
18. Proprietary Capital
Appropriation Investment
TVA's power program and stewardship (nonpower) programs were originally funded primarily by appropriations from Congress. In 1959, Congress passed an amendment to the TVA Act that required TVA's power program to be self-financing from power revenues and proceeds from power program financings. While TVA's power program did not directly receive appropriated funds after it became self-financing, TVA continued to receive appropriations for certain multipurpose and other nonpower mission-related activities as well as for its stewardship activities. TVA has not received any appropriations from Congress for any activities since 1999, and since that time, TVA has funded stewardship program activities primarily with power revenues.
The 1959 amendment to the TVA Act also required TVA, beginning in 1961, to make annual payments to the U.S. Treasury from net power proceeds as a repayment of and as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment until a total of $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment has been repaid in accordance with the 1959 amendment. TVA fulfilled its requirement to repay $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment in 2014. The TVA Act requires TVA to continue making payments to the U.S. Treasury as a return on the remaining $258 million of the Power Program Appropriation Investment.
The table below summarizes TVA's activities related to appropriated funds and retained earnings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of Proprietary Capital Activity
At or for the years ended September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
|
Power Program
|
|
Nonpower
Programs
|
|
Power Program
|
|
Nonpower
Programs
|
|
Appropriation Investment
|
$
|
258
|
|
|
$
|
4,351
|
|
|
$
|
258
|
|
|
$
|
4,351
|
|
|
Proprietary Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of year
|
10,823
|
|
|
(3,795)
|
|
|
9,404
|
|
|
(3,787)
|
|
|
Net income (loss) for year
|
1,360
|
|
|
(8)
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
(8)
|
|
|
Return on power program appropriation investment
|
(6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Balance at end of year
|
12,177
|
|
|
(3,803)
|
|
|
10,823
|
|
|
(3,795)
|
|
|
Net proprietary capital at September 30
|
$
|
12,435
|
|
|
$
|
548
|
|
|
$
|
11,081
|
|
|
$
|
556
|
|
Payments to the U.S. Treasury
TVA paid the U.S. Treasury $6 million, $6 million, and $5 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment. The amount of the return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment is based on the Power Program Appropriation Investment balance at the beginning of that year and the computed average interest rate payable by the U.S. Treasury on its total marketable public obligations at the same date. The interest rates payable by TVA on the Power Program Appropriation Investment were 2.44 percent, 2.37 percent, and 2.09 percent for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The items included in AOCI consist of market valuation adjustments for certain derivative instruments. See Note 15 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions.
TVA records exchange rate gains and losses on debt and related accrued interest in net income and marks its currency swap assets and liabilities to market through OCI. TVA recognized unrealized gains (losses) of $(1) million and $(114) million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, into AOCI on the mark-to-market of currency swaps. TVA then reclassified an amount out of AOCI into net income, offsetting the gain/loss from recording the exchange gain/loss on the debt and related accrued interest. The amounts reclassified from OCI into net income resulted in increases (decreases) to net income of $38 million, $(45) million, and $(26) million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. These reclassifications, coupled with the recording of the exchange gain/loss on the debt and related accrued interest, did not have an impact on net income in 2020, 2019, and 2018. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $27 million of gains from AOCI to interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt and related accrued interest.
19. Other Income (Expense), Net
Income and expenses not related to TVA's operating activities are summarized in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense), Net
For the years ended September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Bellefonte deposit
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
21
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Interest income
|
18
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
External services
|
12
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
Gains (losses) on investments
|
9
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
(3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
Total other income (expense), net
|
$
|
36
|
|
|
$
|
62
|
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
During 2020, Other income (expense), net decreased $26 million, primarily driven by $21 million of other income in 2019 related to a deposit liability received by TVA as a down payment on the sale of Bellefonte. The purchaser, Nuclear Development, LLC, failed to fulfill the requirements of the sales contract with respect to obtaining NRC approval of the transfer of required nuclear licenses and payment of the remainder of the selling price before the November 30, 2018 closing date. Additionally, Interest income decreased $7 million primarily as a result of lower interest rates. See Note 22 — Commitments and Contingencies — Legal Proceedings for a discussion of the lawsuit filed by Nuclear Development, LLC.
20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid was $1.1 billion for 2020 and $1.2 billion for both 2019 and 2018. These amounts differ from interest expense in certain years due to the timing of payments. There was no interest capitalized in 2020, 2019, or 2018.
Construction in progress and Nuclear fuel expenditures included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $398 million, $324 million, and $372 million, respectively, and are excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 as non-cash investing activities.
Excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as non-cash financing activities were $394 million related to lease obligations incurred primarily in connection with a PPA and $10 million related to lease obligations incurred for leased equipment, respectively. There were no capital leases incurred during 2018. See Note 7 — Leases for further information regarding TVA's finance leases. Also excluded from the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the year ended September 30, 2020, were $80 million and $73 million as non-cash financing and investing activities, respectively, due to derecognition of the Paradise pipeline financing obligation and asset.
Cash flows from swap contracts that are accounted for as hedges are classified in the same category as the item being hedged or on a basis consistent with the nature of the instrument.
21. Benefit Plans
TVA sponsors a qualified defined benefit plan ("pension plan") that covers most of its full-time employees hired prior to July 1, 2014, a qualified defined contribution plan ("401(k) plan") that covers most of its full-time employees, two unfunded post-retirement health care plans that provide for non-vested contributions toward the cost of eligible retirees' medical coverage, other post-employment benefits such as workers' compensation, and the SERP. The pension plan and the 401(k) plan are administered by a separate legal entity, the TVA Retirement System ("TVARS"), which is governed by its own board of directors (the "TVARS Board").
Overview of Plans and Benefits
Retirement Plans. The participants in the pension plan receive either a traditional final average pay pension or a cash balance pension. The traditional pension benefit is based on the participant's creditable service, average monthly salary for their highest three consecutive years of eligible compensation, and a pension factor based on the participant's age and years of service, less a Social Security offset. The cash balance pension benefit is based on pay and interest credits accumulated in the participant's account and the participant's age.
Participants in the pension plan are also eligible to receive 401(k) plan matching contributions, may be eligible to receive 401(k) plan non-elective contributions, and may be eligible to make after-tax contributions of up to $10,000 per year to the pension plan, which at the election of the participant are invested in either the fixed fund, which receives a fixed interest rate set forth in the plan, or the variable fund, which receives a rate of return based on an S&P 500 index fund. Participants in the
pension plan may also become eligible for a supplemental pension benefit based on age and years of service at retirement, which is provided to help offset the cost of retiree medical insurance. Employees first hired on or after July 1, 2014, are participants in the 401(k) plan only and receive both non-elective and matching contributions to their accounts in the 401(k) plan.
401(k) Plan. Under the 401(k) plan, the non-elective and matching contributions TVA makes to participant accounts depends on the employee's hire date, years of service, and individual elections. Non-elective employer contributions for eligible participants range from three percent to six percent and matching employer contributions range from 1.5 percent to six percent. TVA recognized 401(k) contribution costs of $88 million, $84 million, and $80 million during 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The 2021 plan contribution costs are estimated to be approximately $92 million.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. TVA has established a SERP for certain executives in critical positions to provide supplemental pension benefits tied to compensation that exceeds limits imposed by IRS rules applicable to the qualified defined benefit pension plan.
Other Post-Retirement Benefits. TVA sponsors two unfunded post-retirement benefit plans that provide for non-vested contributions toward the cost of certain eligible retirees' medical coverage. The first plan covers only certain retirees and surviving dependents who do not qualify for TVARS benefits, including the supplemental pension benefit. The second plan is designed to place a limit on the out-of-pocket amount certain eligible retirees pay for medical coverage and provides a credit based on years of TVA service and monthly base pension amount, reduced by any TVARS supplemental pension benefits or any TVA contribution from the first plan, described above. Effective January 2017, all Medicare-eligible retirees and spouses were provided Medicare supplement coverage through a private exchange. Transition to the exchange does not affect any TVARS supplemental benefits for eligible retirees, and the credit will continue to be calculated in the same manner as before.
Other Post-Employment Benefits. TVA employees injured in work-related incidents are covered by the workers' compensation program for federal employees administered through the Department of Labor by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act ("FECA"). FECA provides compensation and medical benefits to federal employees for permanent and temporary disability due to employment-related injury or disease.
Accounting Mechanisms
Regulatory Accounting. TVA has classified all amounts related to unrecognized prior service costs/(credits), net actuarial gains or losses, and the funded status as regulatory assets or liabilities as such amounts are probable of collection in future rates. Additionally, TVA recognizes pension costs as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities to the extent that the amount calculated under U.S. GAAP as pension expense differs from the amount TVA contributes to the pension plan as pension plan contributions. As a result of recent plan design changes, future contributions are expected to exceed the expense calculated under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, TVA will discontinue this regulatory accounting practice once all such deferred costs have been recovered, at which time it will recognize pension costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Cost Method. TVA uses the projected unit credit cost method to determine the service cost and the projected benefit obligation for retirement, termination, and ancillary benefits. Under this method, a "projected accrued benefit" is calculated at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year for each benefit that may be payable in the future. The "projected accrued benefit" is based on the plan's accrual formula and upon service at the beginning or end of the year, but it uses final average compensation, social security benefits, and other relevant factors projected to the age at which the employee is assumed to leave active service. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of the "projected accrued benefits" at the beginning of the year for employed participants and is the actuarial present value of all benefits for other participants. The service cost is the actuarial present value of the difference between the "projected accrued benefits" at the beginning and end of the year.
Amortization of Net Gain or Loss. TVA utilizes the corridor approach for gain/loss amortization. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and amortized into periodic cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits. The current projected amortization periods of unrecognized net gain or loss is approximately 11 years for the pension plan and 12 years for the post-retirement plan.
Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit). Amortization of net prior service cost/(credit) resulting from a plan change is included as a component of period expense in the year first recognized and every year thereafter until it is fully amortized. The increase or decrease in the benefit obligation due to the plan change is amortized over the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the plan. The pension and post-retirement plans have prior service costs/(credits) related to plan changes made in 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 with remaining amortization periods ranging from one to nine years. However, when a plan change reduces the benefit obligation, existing positive prior service costs are reduced or eliminated starting with the earliest established before a new prior service credit base is established.
Asset Method. TVA's asset method calculates a market-related value of assets ("MRVA") that recognizes realized and unrealized investment gains and losses over a three-year smoothing period to decrease the volatility of annual net periodic pension benefit costs. The MRVA is used to determine the expected return on plan assets, a component of net periodic pension benefit cost. The difference in the expected return on the MRVA and the actual return on the fair value on plan assets is recognized as an actuarial (gain)/loss in the pension benefit obligation at September 30. However, the MRVA has no impact on the fair value of plan assets measured at September 30.
Obligations and Funded Status
The actuarial results provided reflect data and assumptions appropriate for the purpose of the measurement of plan obligations and funded status for the year ended. Effects of COVID-19 on the financial markets, regulations, and experience are uncertain and still evolving. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pension plan and other post-retirement plans depends on factors beyond TVA's knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of this outbreak, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, and broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country and region's economy. Therefore, TVA cannot estimate the potential impact to the pension plan and other post-retirement plans at this time.
The changes in plan obligations, assets, and funded status for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations and Funded Status
For the years ended September 30
|
|
795,900,000
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
$
|
13,312
|
|
|
$
|
11,725
|
|
|
$
|
499
|
|
|
$
|
428
|
|
|
Service cost
|
55
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
Interest cost
|
415
|
|
|
499
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
Plan participants' contributions
|
6
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Collections(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial (gain) loss
|
614
|
|
|
1,756
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
78
|
|
|
Plan change
|
2
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net transfers (to) from variable fund/401(k) plan
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Expenses paid
|
(5)
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(726)
|
|
|
(721)
|
|
|
(46)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
13,675
|
|
|
13,312
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
499
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of net plan assets at beginning of year
|
7,980
|
|
|
8,003
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
397
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Plan participants' contributions
|
6
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Collections(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
Net transfers (to) from variable fund/401(k) plan
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Employer contributions
|
305
|
|
|
307
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
Expenses paid
|
(5)
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(726)
|
|
|
(721)
|
|
|
(46)
|
|
|
(58)
|
|
|
Fair value of net plan assets at end of year
|
7,959
|
|
|
7,980
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
$
|
(5,716)
|
|
|
$
|
(5,332)
|
|
|
$
|
(544)
|
|
|
$
|
(499)
|
|
Note
(1) Collections include retiree contributions as well as provider discounts and rebates.
For 2020, the $614 million pension benefit obligation actuarial loss is primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate from 3.20 percent to 2.75 percent, which increased the liability by $714 million. In addition, TVA recognized $74 million of actuarial losses due to demographic and plan experience, and an actuarial loss of $32 million due to the assumption change of elections for lump sum payments based upon an updated actuarial study. These actuarial losses were partially offset by a $137 million gain due to mortality assumption changes and $69 million gain due to a lower COLA than previously assumed. The
2020 plan change of $2 million was due to the plan change in the interest rate and mortality basis used to determine SERP retirement payments.
For 2019, the $1.8 billion pension benefit obligation actuarial loss is primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate from 4.35 percent to 3.20 percent, which increased the liability by $1.6 billion. In addition, TVA recognized actuarial losses of $147 million due to demographic and plan experience. These actuarial losses were partially offset by a $14 million gain due to mortality assumption changes. The 2019 pension plan change of $7 million was a result of two new participants entering the SERP plan during 2019.
The other post-retirement actuarial loss for 2020 increased the benefit obligation by $39 million. TVA recognized a $30 million loss due to the updated plan assumptions related to the election rate for pre-Medicare retirees, assumed per capita claims costs, and expected retiree contributions to reflect observed and anticipated plan experience. In addition, TVA recognized a $20 million loss due to the decrease in the discount rate from 3.30 percent to 3.05 percent, and a $4 million loss due to actual experience different from assumed. These losses were partially offset by a gain of $15 million due to the updated post-Medicare trend rate assumption attributable to lower than expected premium increases on the private exchange.
The other post-retirement actuarial loss for 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate from 4.40 percent to 3.30 percent, which increased the liability by $71 million. TVA recognized losses of $24 million primarily due to the updated per capita claim costs assumption and an additional loss of $7 million related to actual experience different from assumed. These losses were partially offset by a net gain of $24 million due to the change in health care trend rate assumptions.
Amounts related to these benefit plans recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of regulatory assets and liabilities that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the funded status of TVA's benefit plans, which are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets
At September 30
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Regulatory assets (liabilities)
|
$
|
5,115
|
|
|
$
|
4,731
|
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
(5)
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
(28)
|
|
|
(28)
|
|
|
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations(1)
|
(5,711)
|
|
|
(5,327)
|
|
|
(516)
|
|
|
(471)
|
|
Note
(1) The table above excludes $390 million and $383 million of post-employment benefit costs that are recorded in Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Unrecognized amounts included in regulatory assets or liabilities yet to be recognized as components of accrued benefit cost at September 30, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post-Retirement Benefit Costs Deferred as Regulatory Assets (Liabilities)
At September 30
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Unrecognized prior service credit
|
$
|
(615)
|
|
|
$
|
(714)
|
|
|
$
|
(112)
|
|
|
$
|
(135)
|
|
|
Unrecognized net loss
|
5,620
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
160
|
|
|
Amount capitalized due to actions of regulator
|
110
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total regulatory assets (liabilities)
|
$
|
5,115
|
|
|
$
|
4,731
|
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan at September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected Benefit Obligations and Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Projected benefit obligation
|
$
|
13,675
|
|
|
$
|
13,312
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
13,613
|
|
|
13,246
|
|
|
Fair value of net plan assets
|
7,959
|
|
|
7,980
|
|
The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized as changes in regulatory assets for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
For the years ended September 30
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Service cost
|
$
|
55
|
|
|
$
|
44
|
|
|
$
|
53
|
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
|
$
|
14
|
|
|
Interest cost
|
415
|
|
|
499
|
|
|
473
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(488)
|
|
|
(477)
|
|
|
(478)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service credit
|
(97)
|
|
|
(99)
|
|
|
(99)
|
|
|
(24)
|
|
|
(24)
|
|
|
(22)
|
|
|
Recognized net actuarial loss
|
436
|
|
|
336
|
|
|
409
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined
|
321
|
|
|
303
|
|
|
358
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
Amount expensed (capitalized) due to actions of regulator
|
(15)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
(54)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
$
|
306
|
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
$
|
18
|
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
19
|
|
The amounts in the regulatory asset that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected Amortization of Regulatory Assets in 2021
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement
Benefits
|
|
Total
|
|
Prior service credit
|
$
|
(97)
|
|
|
$
|
(18)
|
|
|
$
|
(115)
|
|
|
Net actuarial loss
|
447
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
459
|
|
|
Amounts expensed due to actions of regulator
|
28
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
28
|
|
Plan Assumptions
Plan assumptions utilized to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs include discount rates, projected health care cost trend rates, expected long-term rate on plan assets, rate of increase in future compensation levels, retirement rates, expected timing and form of payments, and mortality rates, the most significant of which are noted below. Every five years, a formal actuarial experience study that compares assumptions to the actual experience is conducted. Additional ad-hoc experience studies are performed as needed to review recent experience and validate recommended changes to the actuarial assumptions used based upon TVA's last experience study in 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial Assumptions Utilized to Determine Benefit Obligations at September 30
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Discount rate
|
2.75%
|
|
3.20%
|
|
3.05%
|
|
3.30%
|
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
3.43%
|
|
3.50%
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Cost of living adjustment (COLA)(1)
|
2.00%
|
|
2.00%
|
|
2.00%
|
|
2.00%
|
|
Pre-Medicare eligible
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current health care cost trend rate(2)
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
6.50%
|
|
6.75%
|
|
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
5.00%
|
|
5.00%
|
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
2027
|
|
2027
|
|
Post-Medicare eligible
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
—%
|
|
—%
|
|
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
4.00%
|
|
4.00%
|
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
2024
|
|
2023
|
Notes
(1) The COLA assumption is the ultimate long-term rate. The calendar year rate for 2021 is assumed to be one percent, and for years thereafter the ultimate is used.
(2) In 2019, TVA reset the pre-Medicare health care cost trend rates assumption with an initial rate of 6.75 percent, declining 0.25 percent per year until it reaches the ultimate rate of 5.00 percent in 2027. For 2020, TVA maintained this trend assumption for pre-Medicare per capita claims cost with a current health care cost rate of 6.50 percent. However, to account for cumulative delayed medical care due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the expected spending as the demand for care returns, the pre-Medicare per capita retiree contributions current health care cost trend rate is 11.93 percent, and in 2022 assumed to return to 6.25 percent in line with the health care cost trend rates assumption.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial Assumptions Utilized to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Years Ended September 30(1)
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Discount rate
|
3.20
|
%
|
|
4.35
|
%
|
|
3.85
|
%
|
|
3.30
|
%
|
|
4.40
|
%
|
|
3.95
|
%
|
|
Expected return on plan assets(2)
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Cost of living adjustment (COLA)(3)
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
2.00
|
%
|
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
3.43
|
%
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
5.34
|
%
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
Pre-Medicare eligible
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
6.25
|
%
|
|
6.50
|
%
|
|
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
2027
|
|
2024
|
|
2024
|
|
Post-Medicare eligible
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
4.00
|
%
|
|
4.00
|
%
|
|
4.00
|
%
|
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
2023
|
|
2021
|
|
2021
|
Notes
(1) The actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at September 30 of each year are subsequently used to determine net periodic benefit cost
for the following year except the rate of compensation increase assumption.
(2) The actual return on assets for 2020, 2019, and 2018 were 5.11%, 4.99%, and 5.84%, respectively.
(3) The COLA assumption is the ultimate rate. The actual calendar year rate is used in determining the expense, and for years thereafter the ultimate rate is used.
Discount Rate. In selecting the assumed discount rate, TVA reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and endeavors to match, through the use of a hypothetical bond portfolio, instrument maturities with the maturities of its pension obligations in accordance with the prevailing accounting standards. The selected bond portfolio is derived from a universe of high quality corporate bonds of Aa-rated quality or higher. After the bond portfolio is selected, a single interest rate is determined that equates the present value of the plan's projected benefit payments discounted at this rate with the market value of the bonds selected.
Rate of Return. The qualified defined benefit pension plan is the only plan that is funded with qualified plan assets. The expected rate of return is based on annual studies performed by third-party professional investment consultants. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, TVA uses a process that incorporates actual historical asset class returns and an assessment of expected future performance and takes into consideration external actuarial advice, the current outlook on capital markets, the asset allocation policy, and the anticipated investment expenses and impact of active management. Asset allocations are periodically updated using the pension plan asset/liability studies and are part of the determination of the estimates of long-term rates of return. The TVARS asset allocation policy diversifies plan assets across multiple asset classes so as to minimize the risk of large losses. The asset allocation policy is designed to be responsive to changes in the funded status of TVARS.
Compensation Increases. Assumptions related to compensation increases are based upon the latest TVA compensation experience study performed in 2018. Future compensation is assumed to likely increase at rates between 2.50 percent and 14.00 percent per year, depending upon the employee's age. The average assumed compensation increased used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost is based upon the current active participants.
Mortality. The mortality assumption is comprised of a base table that represents the current future life expectancy adjusted by an improvement scale to project future improvements in life expectancy. TVA's mortality assumptions are based upon actuarial projections in combination with studies of the actual mortality experience of TVA's pension and post-retirement benefit plan participants while taking into consideration the published Society of Actuaries ("SOA") mortality table and projection scale at September 30. In 2020, based upon the most recent mortality experience study, TVA adopted a modified version of the SOA PRI-2012 table and a modified version of the SOA MP-2019 improvement scale.
The following mortality assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations for the pension and other post-retirement benefit plans at September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Assumptions used to determine year-end benefit obligations are the assumptions used to determine the subsequent year's net periodic benefit costs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortality Assumptions
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Mortality table
|
PRI-2012 table (adjusted)
|
|
RP-2014 table (adjusted)
|
|
RP-2014 table (adjusted)
|
|
Improvement scale
|
MP-2019 (modified)
|
|
MP-2018 (modified)
|
|
RP-2017 (modified)
|
Health Care Cost Trends. The health care cost trend rates are assumptions about the annual rate of changes in the cost of health care benefits currently provided by the post-retirement benefit plan. In establishing health care cost trend rates, TVA reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends considering health care inflation, changes in health care utilization, and changes in plan benefits and premium experience.
Cost of Living Adjustment. COLAs are an increase in the benefits for eligible retirees to help maintain the purchasing power of benefits as consumer prices increase. Eligible retirees receive a COLA on pension and supplemental benefits equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers ("CPI-U") in January following any year in which the 12-month average CPI-U exceeded by as much as one percent the 12-month average of the CPI-U for the preceding year in which a COLA was given. Increases in the COLA will be the percent increase in CPI-U over the preceding year less 0.25 percent, with a 6.00 percent cap for any one year.
TVA's COLA assumption is derived from long-term expectations of the expected future rate of inflation, based upon capital market assumptions, economic forecasts, and the Federal Reserve policy. The actual calendar year COLA and the long- term COLA assumption are used to determine the benefit obligation at September 30 and the net periodic benefit costs for the following fiscal year. The actual calendar year COLAs for 2020, 2019, and 2018 were 1.54 percent, 2.21 percent, and 1.84 percent, respectively.
Sensitivity of Costs to Changes in Assumptions. The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sensitivity to Certain Changes in Pension Assumptions
At September 30, 2020
|
|
Actuarial Assumption
|
|
Change in Assumption
|
|
Impact on 2020 Pension Cost
|
|
Impact on 2020 Projected Benefit Obligation
|
|
Discount rate
|
|
(0.25)
|
%
|
|
$
|
17
|
|
|
$
|
418
|
|
|
Rate of return on plan assets
|
|
(0.25)
|
%
|
|
18
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Cost of living adjustments
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
30
|
|
|
270
|
|
Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant and excludes any impact for unamortized actuarial gains or losses.
The following chart reflects the sensitivity of post-retirement benefit cost to changes in the health care trend rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sensitivity to Changes in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
1% Increase
|
|
1% Decrease
|
|
Effect on total of service and interest cost components for the year
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
(4)
|
|
|
Effect on end-of-year accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation
|
70
|
|
|
(68)
|
|
Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant and excludes any impact for unamortized actuarial gains or losses.
Plan Investments
The TVARS asset allocation policy for qualified pension plan assets has targets of 40 percent equity including global public and private equity investments, 40 percent fixed income securities, and 20 percent real assets including public and private real assets. TVARS has a long-term investment plan that contains a dynamic de-risking strategy which will allocate investments to assets that better match the liability, such as long duration fixed income securities, over time as improved funding status targets are met. Pursuant to the TVARS Rules and Regulations, any proposed changes in asset allocation that would change TVARS's assumed rate of investment return are subject to TVA's review and veto.
As set forth above, the qualified pension plan assets are invested across global public equity, private equity, safety oriented fixed income, opportunistic fixed income, public real assets, and private real assets. The TVARS asset allocation policy includes permissible deviations from target allocations, and action can be taken, as appropriate, to rebalance the plan's assets consistent with the asset allocation policy. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the asset holdings of TVARS included the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Holdings of TVARS
At September 30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Assets at September 30
|
|
Asset Category
|
|
Target Allocation
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Global public equity
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
36
|
%
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
Private equity
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
Safety oriented fixed income
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
Opportunistic fixed income
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
Public real assets
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
Private real assets
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides the fair value measurement amounts for assets held by TVARS at September 30, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TVA Retirement System
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
Total(1)(2)
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
$
|
1,624
|
|
|
$
|
1,621
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred securities
|
11
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate debt securities
|
1,421
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,418
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
317
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
314
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by U.S. Treasury
|
701
|
|
|
701
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
|
231
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
Asset-backed securities
|
116
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
88
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by state/local governments
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
91
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
86
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
931
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Debt
|
203
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blended
|
102
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institutional mutual funds
|
277
|
|
|
277
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments
|
338
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
261
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)
|
166
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Private equity measured at net asset value(3)
|
1,003
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Private real assets measured at net asset value(3)
|
629
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities lending collateral
|
167
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Swaps
|
10
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Options
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward receivable
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
8,368
|
|
|
$
|
2,679
|
|
|
$
|
2,561
|
|
|
$
|
94
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward payable
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swaps
|
6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Options
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
|
123
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
135
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
134
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Notes
(1) Excludes approximately $107 million in net payables associated with security purchases and sales and various other payables.
(2) Excludes a $167 million payable for collateral on loaned securities in connection with TVARS's participation in securities lending programs.
(3) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table provides the fair value measurement amounts for assets held by TVARS at September 30, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TVA Retirement System
At September 30, 2019
|
|
|
Total(1)(2)
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
$
|
1,766
|
|
|
$
|
1,762
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred securities
|
10
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate debt securities
|
1,387
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,382
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
427
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
424
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by U.S. Treasury
|
807
|
|
|
807
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
|
210
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Asset-backed securities
|
144
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
Debt securities issued by state/local governments
|
18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
81
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
795
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Debt
|
308
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Commodities
|
217
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Blended
|
125
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institutional mutual funds
|
97
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments
|
329
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
328
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Certificates of deposit
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)
|
78
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Private equity measured at net asset value(3)
|
778
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Private real assets measured at net asset value(3)
|
659
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities lending collateral
|
224
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
224
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Swaps
|
5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Options
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward receivable
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
8,472
|
|
|
$
|
2,670
|
|
|
$
|
2,800
|
|
|
$
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward payable
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swaps
|
12
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Options
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
|
118
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
136
|
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
132
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
cNotes
(1) Excludes approximately $132 million in net payables associated with security purchases and sales and various other payables.
(2) Excludes a $224 million payable for collateral on loaned securities in connection with TVARS's participation in securities lending programs.
(3) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis where the determination of fair value includes significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
|
|
Balance at October 1, 2018
|
$
|
58
|
|
|
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)
|
4
|
|
|
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)
|
(12)
|
|
|
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2019
|
42
|
|
|
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)
|
46
|
|
|
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)
|
11
|
|
|
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2020
|
$
|
94
|
|
The following descriptions of the valuation methods and assumptions used by the pension plan to estimate the fair value of investments apply to investments held directly by the pension plan. Third-party pricing vendors provide valuations for investments held by the pension plan in most instances, except for commingled, private credit, private equity, and private real asset funds which are priced at net asset values established by the investment managers. In instances where pricing is determined to be based on unobservable inputs, a Level 3 classification has been assigned. Certain securities priced by the investment manager using a proprietary fair value model with unobservable inputs have been classified as Level 3.
Equity and Preferred Securities. Investments listed on either a national or foreign securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter National Market System are generally valued each business day at the official closing price (typically the last reported sale price) on the exchange on which the security is primarily traded and are classified as Level 1. Equity securities, including common stocks and preferred securities, classified as Level 2 may have been priced by dealer quote or using assumptions based on observable market data, such as yields on bonds from the same issuer or industry. Certain securities priced by the investment manager using unobservable inputs have been classified as Level 3.
Corporate Debt Securities. Corporate bonds are valued based upon recent bid prices or the average of recent bid and asked prices when available (Level 2 inputs) and, if not available, they are valued through matrix pricing models. Matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique commonly used to price debt securities that are not actively traded, values debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). Certain securities priced by the investment manager using broker pricing or unobservable inputs have been classified as Level 3.
Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities. Residential mortgage-backed securities consist of collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and U.S. pass-through security pools related to government-sponsored enterprises. CMO pricing is typically based on either a volatility-driven, multidimensional, single-cash-flow stream model or an option-adjusted spread model. These models incorporate available market data such as trade information, dealer quotes, market color, spreads, bids, and offers. Pricing for government-sponsored enterprise securities, including the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, and the Government National Mortgage Association, is typically based on quotes from the To Be Announced ("TBA") market, which is highly liquid with multiple electronic platforms that facilitate the execution of trading between investors and broker/dealers. Prices from the TBA market are then compared against other live data feeds as well as input obtained directly from the dealer community. Most residential mortgage-backed securities are considered to be priced using Level 2 inputs because of the nature of their market-data-based pricing models. Certain securities priced by vendors using a single broker quote or unobservable inputs have been classified as Level 3.
Debt Securities Issued by U.S. Treasury. For U.S. Treasury securities, fair values reflect the closing price reported in the active market in which the security is traded (Level 1 inputs).
Debt Securities Issued by Foreign Governments. Foreign government bonds and foreign government inflation-linked securities are typically priced based on proprietary discounted cash flow models, incorporating option-adjusted spread features as appropriate. Debt securities issued by foreign governments are classified as Level 2 because of the nature of their market-data-based pricing models. Certain securities priced by the investment manager using broker quotes or unobservable input have been classified as Level 3.
Debt Securities Issued by State and Local Governments. Debt securities issued by state and local governments are typically priced using market-data-based pricing models, and are therefore classified as Level 2. These pricing models incorporate market data such as quotes, trading levels, spread relationships, and yield curves, as applicable. Certain securities priced using an unobservable input have been classified as Level 3.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities. Commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are typically priced based on a single-cash-flow stream model, which incorporates available market data such as trade information, dealer quotes, market color, spreads, bids, and offers. Because of the market-data-based nature of such pricing models, these securities are typically classified as Level 2. Certain securities priced by investment managers using broker pricing or unobservable inputs have been classified as Level 3.
Commingled Funds. The pension plan invests in commingled funds, which include collective trusts, unit investment trusts, and similar investment funds that predominantly hold debt and/or equity securities as underlying assets. The pension plan's ownership consists of a pro rata share and not a direct ownership of an underlying investment. These commingled funds are valued at their closing net asset values (or unit value) per share as reported by the managers of the commingled funds and as supported by the unit prices of actual purchases and sale transactions occurring as of or close to the financial statement date. These funds have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with FASB guidance issued in May 2015.
The pension plan is invested in equity commingled funds, which can be categorized as either passively managed index funds or actively managed funds. The equity index funds seek to track the performance of a particular index by replicating its capitalization and characteristics. Passive fund benchmark indices include the Russell 1000 index and MSCI ACWI ex-U.S. index. The actively managed equity funds seek to outperform certain equity benchmarks through a combination of fundamental and technical analysis. Active funds select portfolio positions based upon their research.
The pension plan is invested in debt commingled funds, which can be categorized as either passively managed index funds or actively managed funds. The pension plan's debt index fund invests in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities and derivatives of varying maturities to replicate the characteristics of the Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities ("TIPS") index. The fund seeks to track the total return of the Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. TIPS index. The actively managed debt funds seek to outperform certain fixed-income benchmarks through fundamental research and analysis. The funds invest in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities and derivatives of varying maturities. Varying by strategy, fund objectives include achieving a positive relative total return through active credit selection and providing risk management through desired strategic exposures.
The pension plan is invested in commodity commingled funds, which can be categorized as actively managed funds. The funds seek to outperform certain commodity benchmarks through fundamental research and analysis. The funds invest in a diversified portfolio of commodity securities and derivatives of varying maturities. The objective is to achieve a positive relative return through active security selection.
The pension plan is invested in commingled funds, which invest across multiple asset classes that can be categorized as blended. These funds seek to outperform a passive benchmark through active security selection. The funds invest in securities across equity, fixed income, currency, and commodities. The portfolios employ fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis.
The pension plan's investments in equity, debt, blended, and commodity commingled funds can generally be redeemed upon notification of the investment managers, with required notice periods varying from same-day to monthly. These investments do not have unfunded commitments.
Institutional Mutual Funds. Investments in institutional mutual funds are valued at prices based on their net asset value. Institutional mutual funds have daily published market prices that represent their net asset value (or unit value) per share and are classified as Level 1.
Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments and Certificates of Deposit. Cash equivalents and other short-term investments are highly liquid securities with maturities of less than three months and 12 months, respectively. These consist primarily of discount securities such as commercial paper, repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury bills, and certain agency securities. These securities, as well as certificates of deposit, may be priced at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Model based pricing which incorporates observable inputs may also be utilized. These securities are classified as Level 2. Active market pricing may be utilized for U.S. Treasury bills, which are classified as Level 1.
Private Credit Funds. Private credit limited partnerships are reported at net asset values provided by the fund managers. These funds have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with FASB guidance issued in May 2015.
The private credit limited partnerships invest across direct lending, opportunistic credit, and distressed debt strategies. The limited partnerships generally make investments of senior secured first-lien loans, second-lien secured loans, asset-based
loans, unitranche loans, and distressed debt opportunities to middle market private companies. The limited partnerships generally seek to obtain financial returns through high income potential and occasional equity upside. The limited partnerships generally have a term life of five to eight years and are diversified by sector and industry.
Private Equity Funds. Private equity limited partnerships are reported at net asset values provided by the fund managers. These funds have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with FASB guidance issued in May 2015.
The private equity limited partnerships typically make longer-term investments in private companies and seek to obtain financial returns through long-term appreciation based on corporate stewardship, improved operating processes, and financial restructuring which may involve a merger or acquisition. Significant investment strategies include venture capital, buyout, mezzanine or subordinated debt, restructuring or distressed debt, energy infrastructure, and special situations. Venture capital partnerships consist of two main groupings. Early-stage venture capital partnerships invest in businesses still in the conceptual stage where products may not be fully developed and where revenues and/or profits may be several years away. Later-stage venture capital partnerships invest in more mature companies in need of growth or expansion capital. Buyout partnerships provide the equity capital for acquisition transactions either from a private seller or the public, which may represent the purchase of the entire company or a refinancing or recapitalization transaction where equity is invested. Mezzanine or subordinated debt partnerships provide the intermediate capital between equity and senior debt in a buyout or refinancing transaction and typically own a security in the company that carries current interest payments as well as a potential equity interest in the company. Restructuring or distressed debt partnerships purchase opportunities generated by overleveraged or poorly managed companies. Special situation partnerships include organizations with a specific industry focus not covered by the other private equity subclasses or unique opportunities that fall outside the regular subclasses.
The private equity funds have no investment withdrawal provisions prior to the termination of the partnership. Partnerships generally continue 10 to 14 years after the inception of the fund. The partnerships are subject to two to three one-year extensions at the discretion of the General Partner. Partnerships can generally be dissolved by an 80 percent vote in interest by all limited partners, with some funds requiring the occurrence of a specific event.
Private Real Asset Investments. The pension plan's ownership in private real asset investments consists of a pro rata share and not a direct ownership of the underlying investments. The fair values of the pension plan's private real asset investments are estimated utilizing net asset values provided by the investment managers. These investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with FASB guidance issued in May 2015. The investment strategies and methodologies utilized by the investment managers to calculate their net asset values are summarized as follows:
The pension plan is invested in limited partnerships that invest in real estate securities, real estate partnerships, and direct real estate properties. This includes investments in office, multifamily, industrial, and retail investment properties in the U.S. and international markets. The investment strategy focuses on distressed, opportunistic, and value-added opportunities. Partnership investments also include mortgage and/or real estate-related fixed-income instruments and related securities. Investments are diversified by property type and geographic location.
The pension plan is invested in a commingled fund that develops, renovates, and re-leases real estate properties to create value. Investments are predominantly in top tier real estate markets that offer deep liquidity. Property types include residential, office, industrial, hotel, retail, and land. Properties are diversified by geographic region within the U.S. domestic market. The plan is invested in a second commingled fund that invests primarily in core, well-leased, operating real estate properties with a focus on income generation. Investments are diversified by property type with a focus on office, industrial, apartment, and retail. Properties are diversified within the U.S. with an overweight to major market and coastal regions.
Fair value estimates of the underlying investments in these limited partnerships and commingled fund investments are primarily based upon property appraisal reports prepared by independent real estate appraisers within a reasonable amount of time following acquisition of the real estate and no less frequently than annually thereafter. The appraisals are based on one or a combination of three methodologies: cost of reproduction analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, and sales comparison analysis. Pricing for certain investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is typically based on models that incorporate observable inputs.
The pension plan is invested in energy infrastructure partnerships which acquire essential, long-lived real assets in three main groupings. Upstream assets include oil and gas exploration, drilling, and acquisition. Midstream assets include storage, pipelines, gathering, processing, and transportation of energy commodities. Downstream assets include generation, distribution, and transmission facilities. Additionally, the pension plan is invested in infrastructure partnerships that target mid-sized operating infrastructure companies and/or assets with limited development and construction risk primarily in the energy, transportation and logistics, environmental, telecommunications, and social industries. The partnerships use one or more valuation techniques (e.g., the market approach, the income approach, or the cost approach) for which sufficient and reliable data is available. The use of the market approach generally consists of using comparable market transactions, while the use of the income approach generally consists of the net present value of estimated future cash flows, adjusted as appropriate for liquidity, credit, market, and/or other risk factors.
The pension plan is invested in a private real asset investment trust formed to make direct or indirect investments in commercial timberland properties. Pricing for these types of investments is based on comprehensive appraisals that are conducted shortly after initial purchase of properties and at three-year intervals thereafter. All appraisals are conducted by third-party timberland appraisal firms. Appraisals are based on either a sales comparison analysis or a discounted cash flow analysis.
Securities Lending Collateral. Collateral held under securities lending arrangements are invested in highly liquid short-term securities, primarily repurchase agreements. The securities are often priced at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. These securities are classified as Level 2.
Derivatives. The pension plan invests in a variety of derivative instruments. The valuation methodologies for these instruments are as follows:
Futures. The pension plan enters into futures. The futures contracts are listed on either a national or foreign securities exchange and are generally valued each business day at the official closing price (typically the last reported sales price) on the exchange on which the security is primarily traded. The pricing is performed by third-party vendors. Since futures are priced by an exchange in an active market, they are classified as Level 1.
Options. The pension plan enters into purchased and written options. Options that are listed on either a national or foreign securities exchange are generally valued each business day at the official closing price (typically the last reported sales price) on the exchange on which the security is primarily traded. These options are classified as Level 1. Options traded over the counter and not on exchanges are priced by third-party vendors and are classified as Level 2.
Swaps. The pension plan enters into various types of swaps. Credit default swaps are priced at market using models that consider cash flows, credit curves, recovery rates, and other factors. The pricing is performed by third-party vendors, and in some cases by clearing exchanges. Interest rate swap contracts are priced at market using forward rates derived from the swap curve, and the pricing is also performed by third-party vendors, and in some cases by clearing exchanges. Other swaps such as equity index swaps and variance swaps are priced by third-party vendors using market inputs such as spot rates, yield curves, and volatility. The pension plan's swaps are generally classified as Level 2 based on the observable nature of their pricing inputs.
Foreign currency forwards. The pension plan enters into foreign currency forwards. All commitments are marked to market daily at the applicable translation rates, and any resulting unrealized gains or losses are recorded. Foreign currency forwards are priced by third-party vendors and are classified as Level 2.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. The pension plan enters into contracts to sell securities to a counterparty at a specified price with an agreement to purchase the same or substantially the same security from the same counterparty at a fixed or determinable price at a future date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are presented at their contract price which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. These securities are classified as Level 2. In connection with sales of securities under agreements to repurchase, the counterparties require the pension plan to maintain collateral securities with a fair value that approximates or exceeds the contract amount of the repurchase agreement. These securities are held in government inflation-linked bonds and classified as government debt securities.
The valuation methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the pension plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Reclassification. In the September 30, 2019 fair value measurements table, $113 million and $546 million of private equity and private real estate have been reclassified to private real assets to conform with current year presentation.
Cash Flows
Estimated Future Benefit Payments. The following table sets forth the estimated future benefit payments under the benefit plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Benefits Payments
At September 30, 2020
|
|
|
Pension
Benefits(1)
|
|
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
|
|
2021
|
$
|
777
|
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
2022
|
776
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
2023
|
773
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
2024
|
768
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
2025
|
767
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
2026 - 2030
|
3,741
|
|
|
117
|
|
Note
(1) Participants are assumed to receive the Fixed Fund in a lump sum in lieu of available annuity options allowed for certain grandfathered participants resulting in higher estimated pension benefits payments.
Contributions. TVA made contributions to the pension plan of $300 million for 2020 and 2019. TVA has committed to make a minimum contribution of $300 million per year through 2036 or until the plan has reached and remained at 100 percent funded status under the actuarial rules applicable to TVARS. TVA made SERP contributions of $5 million and $7 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. TVA made cash contributions to the other post-retirement benefit plans of $25 million (net of $5 million in rebates) and $36 million (net of $4 million in rebates) for 2020 and 2019, respectively. TVA expects to contribute $300 million to TVARS, $5 million to the SERP, and $28 million to the other post-retirement benefit plans in 2021.
Other Post-Employment Benefits
Post-employment benefit cost estimates are revised to properly reflect changes in actuarial assumptions made at the end of each year. TVA utilizes a discount rate determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturities corresponding to the calculated average durations of TVA's future estimated post-employment claims payments. The use of a 0.69 percent discount rate resulted in the recognition of $45 million in expenses in 2020 and an unpaid benefit obligation of $390 million at September 30, 2020. The use of a 1.68 percent discount rate resulted in the recognition of approximately $59 million in expenses in 2019 and an unpaid benefit obligation of $419 million at September 30, 2019. The use of a 3.05 percent discount rate resulted in the recognition of approximately $(6) million in expenses in 2018 and an unpaid benefit obligation of $339 million at September 30, 2018.
The decrease in the unpaid obligation at September 30, 2020 compared to the prior year is due to the timing of the payment of workers compensation claims to the U.S, Department of Labor ("DOL") in September 2020 compared to the prior year claims paid in October 2019. TVA paid $74 million in claims during 2020 compared to $39 million in 2019. TVA estimated losses for 2021 are $32 million and due in October 2021.
Overall, the decrease in the discount rate from 1.68 percent in 2019 to 0.69 percent in 2020 increased the long-term portion of the unpaid benefit obligation. This increase was offset by a decrease in loss experience and fewer claims partially attributable to delayed medical treatments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on post-employment benefit costs and claims experience depends on factors beyond TVA's knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of this outbreak, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, and broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country and region's economy.
The increase in the unpaid benefit obligation when comparing 2019 to 2018 was due primarily to the decrease of the discount rate from 3.05 percent in 2018 to 1.68 percent in 2019.
The current portion which represents unpaid losses and administrative fees due are in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The long-term portion is recognized in Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets
At September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
36
|
|
|
Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations
|
390
|
|
|
383
|
|
22. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Power Purchase Obligations. TVA has contracted with various independent power producers and LPCs for additional capacity to be made available to TVA. Several of these agreements have contractual minimum payments and are accounted for as either finance or operating leases. In total, these agreements provide 2,384 MW of summer net capability. The remaining terms of the agreements range up to 12 years. Additionally, TVA has contracted with regional transmission organizations to reserve 1,450 MW of transmission service to support purchases from the market and wind power purchase agreements. The remaining terms of these agreements range up to four years. Excluding lease-related costs, TVA incurred $202 million, $195 million, and $188 million of expense under these power purchase and transmission service agreements during 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Under federal law, TVA is obligated to purchase power from qualifying facilities (cogenerators and small power producers). As of September 30, 2020, there was a combined qualifying facility capacity of 268 MW from 111 different generation sources, from which TVA purchased power under this law.
Membership Interests of VIE Subject to Mandatory Redemption. At September 30, 2020, TVA had outstanding membership interests subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion) of $26 million issued by one of its VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information. At September 30, 2020, the mandatory redemptions for each of the next five years are shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2024
|
|
2025
|
|
Membership interests of variable interest entity subject to mandatory redemption
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
Leasebacks. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding leaseback obligations related to CTs and QTE were $223 million and $263 million, respectively. See Note 13 — Debt and Other Obligations — Lease/Leasebacks. At September 30, 2020, the future minimum payments under leaseback obligations are shown below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease/Leasebacks
Minimum payments due in years ending September 30
|
|
2021
|
|
$
|
207
|
|
|
2022
|
|
25
|
|
|
2023
|
|
—
|
|
|
2024
|
|
—
|
|
|
2025
|
|
—
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
232
|
|
Leases. TVA also has obligations to make lease payments related to finance and operating leases. See Note 7 — Leases for additional information.
Unfunded Loan Commitments. At September 30, 2020, TVA's commitments under unfunded loan commitments were $1 million for 2021. TVA has no commitments under unfunded loan commitments for 2022 through 2025.
In addition to the commitments above, TVA had contractual obligations in the form of revenue discounts related to energy prepayments. TVA recognized $10 million of prepayment obligations and related interest payments of $4 million in revenue during 2019. The arrangement ceased in 2019. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Energy Prepayment Obligations and Note 17 — Revenue.
Contingencies
Nuclear Insurance. Section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act, commonly known as the Price-Anderson Act, provides a layered framework of financial protection to compensate for liability claims of members of the public for personal injury and property damages arising from a nuclear incident in the U.S. This financial protection consists of two layers of coverage:
•The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers ("ANI") and provides public liability insurance coverage of $450 million for each nuclear power plant licensed to operate. If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from a nuclear incident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies.
•Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, the licensee of each nuclear reactor has a contingent obligation to pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, regardless
of proximity to the incident of fault, up to a maximum of approximately $138 million per reactor per incident. With TVA's seven reactors, the maximum total contingent obligation per incident is $963 million. This retrospective premium is payable at a maximum rate currently set at approximately $20 million per year, per incident, per reactor. Currently, 97 reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program.
In the event that a nuclear incident results in public liability claims, the primary level provided by ANI combined with the Secondary Financial Protection should provide up to approximately $13.8 billion in coverage.
Federal law requires that each NRC power reactor licensee obtain property insurance from private sources to cover the cost of stabilizing and decontaminating a reactor and its station site after an accident. TVA carries property, decommissioning liability, and decontamination liability insurance from Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited ("NEIL"). The limits for each site vary depending on the site and range from up to $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion available for a loss at TVA's three sites. Some of this insurance may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $145 million.
TVA purchases accidental outage (business interruption) insurance for TVA's nuclear sites from NEIL. In the event that an accident covered by this policy takes a nuclear unit offline or keeps a nuclear unit offline, NEIL will pay TVA, after a waiting period, an indemnity (a set dollar amount per week) with a maximum indemnity of $490 million per unit. This insurance policy may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $43 million, but only to the extent the retrospective premium is deemed necessary by the NEIL Board of Directors to pay losses unable to be covered by NEIL's surplus.
Decommissioning Costs. TVA recognizes legal obligations associated with the future retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets related primarily to nuclear generating plants, coal-fired generating plants, hydroelectric generating plants/dams, transmission structures, and other property-related assets. See Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Nuclear Decommissioning. Provision for decommissioning costs of nuclear generating units is based on options prescribed by the NRC procedures to dismantle and decontaminate the facilities to meet the NRC criteria for license termination. At September 30, 2020, $3.3 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of, among other things, changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment. Utilities that own and operate nuclear plants are required to use different procedures in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs under GAAP than those that are used in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs when reporting to the NRC. The two sets of procedures produce different estimates for the costs of decommissioning primarily because of differences in the underlying assumptions. Decommissioning costs studies are updated for each of TVA's nuclear units at least every five years.
TVA maintains a NDT to provide funding for the ultimate decommissioning of its nuclear power plants. See Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. TVA monitors the value of its NDT and believes that, over the long term and before cessation of nuclear plant operations and commencement of decommissioning activities, adequate funds from investments and additional contributions, if necessary, will be available to support decommissioning. TVA's operating nuclear power units are licensed through various dates between 2033 - 2055, depending on the unit. It may be possible to extend the operating life of some of the units with approval from the NRC. See Note 9 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities — Nuclear Decommissioning Costs and Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Non-Nuclear Decommissioning. At September 30, 2020, $3.5 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs. This decommissioning cost estimate involves estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures and making judgments concerning whether or not such costs are considered a legal obligation. Estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures includes, among other things, making projections of the timing and duration of the asset retirement process and how costs will escalate with inflation. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment.
TVA maintains an ART to help fund the ultimate decommissioning of its non-nuclear power assets. See Note 16 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. Estimates involved in determining if additional funding will be made to the ART include inflation rate, rate of return projections on the fund investments, and the planned use of other sources to fund decommissioning costs. See Note 9 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities — Non-Nuclear Decommissioning Costs and Note 12 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Environmental Matters. TVA's power generation activities, like those across the utility industry and in other industrial sectors, are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Major areas of regulation affecting TVA's activities include air quality control, GHG emissions, water quality control, and management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. In the future, regulations in all of these areas are expected to become more stringent. Regulations are also expected to have a particular emphasis on climate change, renewable generation, and energy efficiency.
TVA has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, substantial capital and operating and maintenance costs to comply with evolving environmental requirements primarily associated with, but not limited to, the operation of TVA's coal-fired generating units in general. Environmental requirements placed on the operation of TVA's coal-fired and other generating units will likely continue to become more restrictive over time. Litigation over the regulation of emissions or discharges from coal-fired generating units is also occurring. Failure to comply with environmental and safety laws can result in TVA being subject to enforcement actions, which can lead to the imposition of significant civil liability, including fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, and/or the shutting down of non-compliant facilities.
From 1970 to 2020, TVA spent approximately $6.8 billion to reduce emissions from its power plants, including $19 million, $17 million, and $62 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, on clean air controls. TVA estimates that compliance with existing and future Clean Air Act ("CAA") requirements (excluding greenhouse gas ("GHG") requirements) could lead to costs of $156 million from 2021 to 2025, which include existing controls capital projects and air operations and maintenance projects. TVA also estimates additional expenditures of approximately $949 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to TVA's CCR Conversion Program as well as expenditures of approximately $190 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Future costs could differ from these estimates if new environmental laws or regulations become applicable to TVA or the facilities it operates, or if existing environmental laws or regulations are revised or reinterpreted. There could also be costs that cannot reasonably be predicted at this time, due to uncertainty of actions, that could increase these estimates.
Liability for releases and cleanup of hazardous substances is primarily regulated by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and other federal and parallel state statutes. In a manner similar to many other industries and power systems, TVA has generated or used hazardous substances over the years. TVA operations at some facilities have resulted in releases of contaminants that TVA is addressing consistent with state and federal requirements. At September 30, 2020 and 2019, TVA's estimated liability for cleanup and similar environmental work for those sites for which sufficient information is available to develop a cost estimate was approximately $14 million and $15 million, respectively, on a non-discounted basis, and was included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Potential Liability Associated with Workers' Exposure to CCR Materials. In response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston, TVA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. ("Jacobs") to oversee certain aspects of the cleanup. After the cleanup was completed, Jacobs was sued in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ("Eastern District") by employees of a contractor involved in the cleanup and family members of some of the employees. The plaintiffs alleged that Jacobs had failed to take or provide proper health precautions and misled workers about the health risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash, which is a CCR material. The plaintiffs alleged that exposure to the fly ash caused a variety of significant health issues and illnesses, including in some cases death. The case was split into two phases, with the first phase considering, among other issues, general causation and the second determining specific causation and damages. On November 7, 2018, a jury hearing the first phase returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, including determinations that Jacobs failed to adhere to its contract with TVA or the Site Wide Safety and Health Plan; Jacobs failed to provide reasonable care to the plaintiffs; and Jacobs's failures were capable of causing a list of medical conditions, ranging from hypertension to cancer. On January 11, 2019, the Eastern District referred the parties to mediation. Mediation has concluded, but the parties did not resolve the matter. The litigation will now proceed to the second phase on the question of whether Jacobs's breaches were the specific medical cause of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages.
On May 13, 2019, an additional group of contractor employees and family members filed suit against Jacobs in the Circuit Court for Roane County, Tennessee. These plaintiffs have raised similar claims to those being litigated in the case referenced above.
While TVA is not a party to either of these lawsuits, TVA may potentially have an indemnity obligation to reimburse Jacobs for some amounts that Jacobs is required to pay. TVA will continue monitoring the litigation to determine whether these or similar cases could have broader implications for the utility industry. TVA does not expect any potential liability to have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting TVA's activities, as a result of a catastrophic event or otherwise.
General. At September 30, 2020, TVA had accrued $14 million of probable losses with respect to Legal Proceedings. Of the accrued amount, $12 million is included in Other long-term liabilities and $2 million is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. No assurance can be given that TVA will not be subject to significant additional claims and liabilities. If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, TVA's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Environmental Agreements. In April 2011, TVA entered into two substantively similar agreements, one with the EPA and the other with Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and three environmental advocacy groups: the Sierra Club, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Our Children's Earth Foundation (collectively, the "Environmental Agreements"). Under the Environmental Agreements, TVA committed to, among other things, take actions regarding coal units that have been completed. TVA also agreed to invest $290 million in certain TVA environmental projects of which TVA had spent approximately $280 million as of September 30, 2020. Additionally, TVA holds restricted cash in an interest earning trust to fund the remaining project commitments. Under the Environmental Agreements, any interest earned through the trust must also be re-invested to agreed upon environmental projects. The total remaining committed spend, including interest earned on the trust, is approximately $11 million as of September 30, 2020. In exchange for these commitments, most past claims against TVA based on alleged New Source Review ("NSR") and associated violations were waived and cannot be brought against TVA. Future claims, including those for sulfuric acid mist and GHG emissions, can still be brought against TVA.
The liabilities related to the Environmental Agreements are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the September 30, 2020, Consolidated Balance Sheets. In conjunction with the approval of the Environmental Agreements, the TVA Board determined that it was appropriate to record TVA's obligations under the Environmental Agreements as regulatory assets, and they are included as such on the September 30, 2020, Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be recovered in rates in future periods.
Case Involving Kingston Fossil Plant. In May 2019, Roane County and the Cities of Kingston and Harriman ("local governments") filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court for Roane County, Tennessee, against TVA and Jacobs for monetary damages and unspecified injunctive relief relating to TVA's cleanup response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston. The local governments allege that TVA and Jacobs failed to take proper measures to mitigate environmental and health risks during the cleanup response and misled the local governments and their citizens about health and environmental risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash. The local governments seek to recover monetary damages on behalf of their citizens for personal injury and property loss claims, damages for lost tax revenue, damages for increased emergency and medical response costs, punitive damages, and unspecified injunctive relief. In June 2019, TVA removed the lawsuit to the Eastern District, and TVA and Jacobs filed separate motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs, in response, filed a response opposing both motions and a separate motion seeking leave to file a proposed amended class action complaint in which Roane County would serve as class representative for the municipalities and their citizens.
In December 2019, the Eastern District court ruled that the local governments did not have standing to assert representative claims on behalf of their citizens and rejected their motion to proceed as a class action on behalf of their citizens because of the dissimilarity of the injuries allegedly suffered by the local governments (lost tax revenue) and the personal injuries and personal medical expenses allegedly suffered by the individuals. The court indicated, however, that the local governments may have legal standing to assert claims for their direct injuries (claims relating to municipally owned property) and directed the local governments to file an amended pleading in conformance with the court's order by January 16, 2020. The plaintiffs filed their amended complaint on January 15, 2020. On February 26, 2020, TVA and Jacobs moved to dismiss the amended complaint, and on September 30, 2020, the court dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice.
Class Action Lawsuit Involving Kingston Fossil Plant. On November 7, 2019, a resident of Roane County, Tennessee, filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Jacobs and TVA in the Eastern District. The complaint alleges that the class representative and all other members of the proposed class were damaged as a result of the 2008 ash spill at Kingston and the resulting cleanup activities. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (1) TVA was negligent in its construction and operation of the Kingston CCR facility, (2) TVA and Jacobs failed to take proper measures to mitigate environmental and health risks during the cleanup response, and (3) TVA and Jacobs misled the community about health and environmental risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash. The complaint seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief in the form of an order requiring the defendants to establish a blood testing program and medical monitoring protocol and to remediate damage to the properties of the proposed class. On April 22, 2020, TVA and Jacobs moved to dismiss the complaint, and the court has not yet ruled on this motion.
Case Involving Bull Run Fossil Plant. On February 5, 2020, two plaintiffs who reside near Bull Run filed suit against TVA in the Circuit Court for Anderson County, Tennessee, on behalf of themselves and their two minor children. The plaintiffs allege that they and their children were injured from direct exposures to CCR material originating from Bull Run and from second-hand exposures to coal ash through contact with a family member who worked at an undisclosed TVA facility. TVA removed the case to the Eastern District on March 5, 2020, and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in federal court on March 12, 2020. On June 19, 2020, TVA moved to dismiss the amended complaint, and on August 5, 2020, the court dismissed the amended complaint without prejudice on procedural grounds.
Case Involving Tennessee River Boat Accident. In July 2015, plaintiffs filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ("Northern District"), seeking recovery for personal injuries sustained when the plaintiffs' boat struck a TVA transmission line which was being raised from the Tennessee River during a repair operation. The Northern District dismissed the case, finding that TVA's exercise of its discretion as a governmental entity in deciding how to carry out the operation barred any liability for negligence. In August 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ("Eleventh Circuit") affirmed the decision. The plaintiffs petitioned the Supreme Court for review of the decision, arguing that the provision of the TVA Act which allows suit to be brought against TVA does not allow TVA to claim immunity for discretionary actions. In April
2019, the Supreme Court issued its opinion reversing the judgment of the Eleventh Circuit and remanding the case to the Eleventh Circuit. In July 2019, the Eleventh Circuit remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. Trial is currently scheduled for February 16, 2021.
Case Involving Bellefonte Nuclear Plant. In November 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, filed suit against TVA in the Northern District. The plaintiff alleges that TVA breached its agreement to sell Bellefonte to the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, (1) an injunction requiring TVA to maintain Bellefonte and the associated NRC permits until the case is concluded, (2) an order compelling TVA to complete the sale of Bellefonte to the plaintiff, and (3) if the court does not order TVA to complete the sale, monetary damages in excess of $30 million. In December 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, and TVA filed a joint stipulation with the court. Under the stipulation, Nuclear Development, LLC, withdrew its request for an expedited hearing on its injunction in exchange for TVA's agreement to continue to maintain Bellefonte in accordance with the NRC permits and to give Nuclear Development, LLC, and the court five days prior notice of any filing by TVA to terminate the permits or sell the site. TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case in February 2019. In May 2019, the court denied TVA's motion. Discovery is ongoing. On September 23, 2020, the parties filed competing motions for summary judgment, but a decision on the motions is not expected for several months. The case is scheduled to be trial ready by December 1, 2020.
Case Involving Rate Changes. On June 9, 2020, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, by a LPC customer, asserting claims for breach of contract and violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. The lawsuit alleges that the customers of TVA's LPCs are third-party beneficiaries under TVA's wholesale power contracts with its LPCs and that TVA's rate changes dating back to 2010 violate Section 11 of the TVA Act. Section 11 of the TVA Act establishes the broad policy that TVA power projects shall be considered primarily for the benefit of the people of the Tennessee Valley and that service to industry is a secondary purpose to be used principally to secure a sufficiently high load factor and revenue returns to permit domestic and rural use at the lowest possible rates. The remedies requested include an injunction prohibiting TVA rate changes that violate Section 11, monetary damages, and repayment of rates charged in violation of Section 11. TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case on November 9, 2020.
Case Involving Long-Term Agreements. On August 17, 2020, the Southern Environmental Law Center ("SELC") filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on behalf of three environmental groups alleging that, beginning in August 2019, TVA violated the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") and Section 10 of the TVA Act by offering a Long-Term Agreement ("LTA") to its LPCs. The environmental groups represented by SELC are Protect Our Aquifer, Energy Alabama, and Appalachian Voices.
The environmental groups claim that TVA violated NEPA because (1) TVA failed to perform an environmental review of the LTAs, which harmed the groups' advocacy efforts and their ability to participate in and to inform TVA's decision, and (2) the LTAs will have a negative effect on the environment by increasing TVA's reliance on coal and gas and impeding TVA's customers' efforts to institute renewable energy options. The groups also claim that the LTAs violate Section 10 of the TVA Act, which authorizes TVA to enter into power contracts "for a term not exceeding twenty years," because, the groups allege, the twenty-year rolling contract with a twenty-year notice of termination requirement makes the LTAs effectively "never ending."
The environmental groups request the federal court to (1) declare that TVA's entry into long-term power agreements without preparing an environmental review violated NEPA and the TVA Act, (2) vacate the long-term contracts, and (3) enjoin TVA from implementing "system-wide energy contract programs that significantly affect the environment." TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case on October 20, 2020.
23. Related Parties
TVA is a wholly-owned corporate agency of the federal government, and because of this relationship, TVA's revenues and expenses are included as part of the federal budget as a revolving fund. TVA's purpose and responsibilities as an agency are described under the "Other Agencies" section of the federal budget.
TVA currently receives no appropriations from Congress and funds its business using power system revenues, power financings, and other revenues. TVA is a source of cash to the federal government. TVA will indefinitely continue to pay the U.S. Treasury a return on the outstanding $258 million of the government's appropriation investment in TVA's power facilities (the "Power Program Appropriation Investment"). See Note 18 — Proprietary Capital — Appropriation Investment.
TVA also has access to a financing arrangement with the U.S. Treasury pursuant to the TVA Act. TVA and the U.S. Treasury entered into a memorandum of understanding under which the U.S. Treasury provides TVA with a $150 million credit facility. This credit facility has a maturity date of September 30, 2021, and is typically renewed annually. Access to this credit facility or other similar financing arrangements has been available to TVA since the 1960s. See Note 13 — Debt and Other Obligations — Credit Facility Agreements.
In the normal course of business, TVA contracts with other federal agencies for sales of electricity and other services. Transactions with agencies of the federal government were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Party Transactions
For the years ended, or at, September 30
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Revenue from sales of electricity
|
$
|
105
|
|
|
$
|
118
|
|
|
$
|
122
|
|
|
Other income
|
260
|
|
|
258
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
224
|
|
|
222
|
|
|
220
|
|
|
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
|
9
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
31
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
94
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
Investment funds
|
485
|
|
|
279
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
Long-term accounts receivable
|
27
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
39
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
Long-term power bonds, net
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Return on power program appropriation investment
|
6
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
A summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years 2020 and 2019 follows. This summary should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements appearing herein. Results for interim periods may fluctuate as a result of seasonal weather conditions, changes in rates, and other factors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
First
|
|
Second
|
|
Third
|
|
Fourth
|
|
Total
|
|
Operating revenues
|
$
|
2,578
|
|
|
$
|
2,521
|
|
|
$
|
2,251
|
|
|
$
|
2,899
|
|
|
$
|
10,249
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
2,046
|
|
|
1,914
|
|
|
1,716
|
|
|
1,862
|
|
|
7,538
|
|
|
Operating income
|
532
|
|
|
607
|
|
|
535
|
|
|
1,037
|
|
|
2,711
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
192
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
700
|
|
|
1,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
First
|
|
Second
|
|
Third
|
|
Fourth
|
|
Total
|
|
Operating revenues
|
$
|
2,725
|
|
|
$
|
2,750
|
|
|
$
|
2,604
|
|
|
$
|
3,239
|
|
|
$
|
11,318
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
1,960
|
|
|
2,158
|
|
|
2,088
|
|
|
2,301
|
|
|
8,507
|
|
|
Operating income
|
765
|
|
|
592
|
|
|
516
|
|
|
938
|
|
|
2,811
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
423
|
|
|
241
|
|
|
165
|
|
|
588
|
|
|
1,417
|
|