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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023
OR
[   ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from _________ to ___________

Commission File

Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation;

Address and Telephone Number
IRS Employer

Identification No.
1-11459
PPL Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)Pennsylvania
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-2758192
1-905
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)Pennsylvania
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-0959590
333-173665
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky)
220 West Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202-1377
(502) 627-2000
20-0523163
1-2893
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky)Kentucky
220 West Main Street
Louisville, KentuckyKY 40202-1377
(502) 627-2000
61-0264150
1-3464
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky and Virginia)Virginia
One Quality Street
Lexington, KentuckyKY 40507-1462
(502) 627-2000
61-0247570







Table of Contents


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s):Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock of PPL CorporationPPLNew York Stock Exchange
Junior Subordinated Notes of PPL Capital Funding, Inc.
2007 Series A due 2067PPL/67New York Stock Exchange
2013 Series B due 2073New York Stock Exchange


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Common Stock of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Indicate by check mark whetherif the registrants are a well-known seasoned issuers,issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
PPL CorporationYesNo
PPL Corporation
Yes  X   
No
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes
No X   
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes
No  X   
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes
No X   
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes
No X   

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
PPL CorporationYesNo
PPL Corporation
Yes
No  X   
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes
No X   
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes
No  X   
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes
No X   
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes
No X   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
PPL CorporationYesNo
PPL Corporation
Yes  X   
No
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes X   
No
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes  X   
No
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes X   
No
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes X   
No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).
PPL CorporationYesNo
PPL Corporation
Yes   X  
No
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes  X  
No
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes   X  
No
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes  X  
No
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes  X  
No




Table of Contents


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
PPL Corporation[ X ]
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation[ X ]
LG&E and KU Energy LLC[ X ]
Louisville Gas and Electric Company[ X ]
Kentucky Utilities Company[ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, smaller reporting companies or emerging growth companies. See definitionthe definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer",filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated

filer
Accelerated

filer
Non-accelerated

filer
Smaller reporting

company
Emerging growth company
PPL Corporation[ X ][     ][     ][     ][     ]
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation[     ][     ][ X ][     ][     ]
LG&E and KU Energy LLC[     ][     ][ X ][     ][     ]
Louisville Gas and Electric Company[     ][     ][ X ][     ][     ]
Kentucky Utilities Company[     ][     ][ X ][     ][     ]






Table of Contents
If emerging growth companies, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
PPL Corporation
PPL Corporation[     ]
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation[     ]
LG&E and KU Energy LLC[     ]
Louisville Gas and Electric Company[     ]
Kentucky Utilities Company[     ]


Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
PPL Corporation
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Kentucky Utilities Company

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements
of the registrants included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
PPL Corporation
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Kentucky Utilities Company

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-
based compensation received by any of the registrants' executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant
to §240.10D-1(b).
PPL Corporation
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Kentucky Utilities Company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
PPL CorporationYesNo
PPL Corporation
Yes
No  X   
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes
No X   
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes
No  X   
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes
No X   
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes
No X   

As of June 30, 2017,2023, PPL Corporation had 685,472,890737,085,881 shares of its $0.01 par value Common Stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of these common shares (based upon the closing price of these shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that date) held by non-affiliates was $26,500,381,927.$19,503,292,411. As of January 31, 2018,2024, PPL Corporation had 694,049,792737,603,408 shares of its $0.01 par value Common Stock outstanding.
 
As of January 31, 2018,2024, PPL Corporation held all 66,368,056 outstanding common shares, no par value, of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation.
 
PPL Corporation directly holds all of the membership interests in LG&E and KU Energy LLC.
As of January 31, 2018,2024, LG&E and KU Energy LLC held all 21,294,223 outstanding common shares, no par value, of Louisville Gas and Electric Company.
 
As of January 31, 2018,2024, LG&E and KU Energy LLC held all 37,817,878 outstanding common shares, no par value, of Kentucky Utilities Company.



Table of Contents



PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.
 



Table of Contents
Documents incorporated by reference:
 
PPL Corporation has incorporated herein by reference certain sections of PPL Corporation's 20182024 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017. Such Statements2023 and which will provide the information required by Part III of this Report.









PPL CORPORATION
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
LG&E AND KU ENERGY LLC
LOUISVILLE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY
 
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20172023
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by the following Registrants in their individual capacity: PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual Registrant is filed by such Registrant solely on its own behalf and no Registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other Registrant, except that information under "Forward-Looking Information" relating to subsidiaries of PPL Corporation is also attributed to PPL Corporation and information relating to the subsidiaries of LG&E and KU Energy LLC is also attributed to LG&E and KU Energy LLC.Corporation.
 
Unless otherwise specified, references in this Report, individually, to PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are references to such entities directly or to one or more of their subsidiaries, as the case may be, the financial results of which subsidiaries are consolidated into such Registrants' financial statements in accordance with GAAP. This presentation has been applied where identification of particular subsidiaries is not material to the matter being disclosed, and to conform narrative disclosures to the presentation of financial information on a consolidated basis.
 
Item  Page
  PART I 
  
  
1. 
1A. 
1B. 
1C.
2. 
3. 
4. 
   
  PART II 
5. 
6. 
7. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  




ItemPage
ItemPage
7A.
8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Kentucky Utilities Company




Item  Page
 
COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
9.
9A.
9B.
9C.
PART III
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
PART IV
15.



Item  Page
  COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 
  Schedule I - Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements 
  
  
  
  
9. 
9A. 
9B. 
    
  PART III 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
    
  PART IV 
15. 
  
  
  
   
   
   
   








GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries

CEP Reserves- CEP Reserves, Inc., a cash management subsidiary of PPL that maintains cash reserves for the balance sheet management of PPL and certain subsidiaries.

KU - Kentucky Utilities Company, a public utility subsidiary of LKE engaged in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, primarily in Kentucky.

LG&E - Louisville Gas and Electric Company, a public utility subsidiary of LKE engaged in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky.

LKE - LG&E and KU Energy LLC, a subsidiary of PPL and the parent of LG&E, KU and other subsidiaries.

LKS -LG&E and KU Services Company, a subsidiary of LKE that provides administrative, management and support services primarily to LG&E and KU, as well as to LKE and its other subsidiaries.

Narragansett Electric - The Narragansett Electric Company, an entity that serves electric and natural gas customers in Rhode Island. On May 25, 2022, PPL and its subsidiary, PPL Rhode Island Holdings announced the completion of the acquisition of Narragansett Electric, which will continue to provide services under the name Rhode Island Energy.

PPL - PPL Corporation, the ultimate parent holding company of PPL Electric, PPL Energy Funding, PPL Capital Funding, LKE, RIE and other subsidiaries.

PPL Capital Funding - PPL Capital Funding, Inc., a financing subsidiary of PPL that provides financing for the operations of PPL and certain subsidiaries. Debt issued by PPL Capital Funding is fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by PPL.

PPL Electric - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a public utility subsidiary of PPL engaged in the regulated transmission and distribution of electricity in its Pennsylvania service area and that provides electricity supply to its retail customers in this area as a PLR.

PPL Energy Funding - PPL Energy Funding Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL and the parent holding company of PPL Global and other subsidiaries.

PPL Energy Holdings- PPL Energy Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL and the parent holding company of PPL Energy Funding, LKE, PPL Electric, PPL Rhode Island Holdings, PPL Services and other subsidiaries.

PPL EU Services - PPL EU Services Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL that providesprovided administrative, management and support services primarily to PPL Electric. On December 31, 2021, PPL EU Services merged into PPL Services.

PPL Global - PPL Global, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding that, prior to the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021, primarily through its subsidiaries, ownsowned and operatesoperated WPD, PPL's regulated electricity distribution businesses in the U.K. PPL Global was not included in the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021.

PPL Rhode Island Holdings - PPL Rhode Island Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Holdings formed for the purpose of acquiring Narragansett Electric to which certain interests of PPL Energy Holdings in the Narragansett SPA were assigned.

PPL Services - PPL Services Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL that provides administrative, management and support services to PPL and its subsidiaries.

PPL WPD Limited - an indirectPPL WPD Limited, a U.K. subsidiary of PPL Global, which carries a liability for a closed defined benefit pension plan and a receivable from WPD plc. Following a reorganization in October 2015 and October 2017,Global. Prior to the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021, PPL WPD Limited iswas an indirect parent to WPD plc having previously been a sister company.
WPD - refers toWPD. PPL WPD Limited was not included in the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021.

RIE - Rhode Island Energy, the name under which Narragansett Electric will continue to provide services subsequent to its acquisition by PPL and its subsidiaries.subsidiary, PPL Rhode Island Holdings on May 25, 2022.
WPD (East Midlands) - Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.
WPD plc - Western Power Distribution plc, an indirect U.K. subsidiary of PPL WPD Limited. Its principal indirectly owned subsidiaries are WPD (East Midlands), WPD (South Wales), WPD (South West) and WPD (West Midlands).
WPD Midlands - refers to WPD (East Midlands) and WPD (West Midlands), collectively.
WPD(South Wales) - Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.
WPD(South West) - Western Power Distribution (South West) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.
WPD (West Midlands) - Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.

i


WKE - Western Kentucky Energy Corp., a subsidiary of LKE that leased certain non-regulated utility generating plants in western Kentucky until July 2009. 

Other terms and abbreviations
 
£ - British pound sterling.

401(h) account(s) - a sub-account established within a qualified pension trust to provide for the payment of retiree medical costs.

Act 11 - Act 11 of 2012 that became effective on April 16, 2012. The Pennsylvania legislation authorized the PUCPAPUC to approve two specific ratemaking mechanisms: the use of a fully projected future test year in base rate proceedings and, subject to certain conditions, a DSIC.

Act 129 - Act 129 of 2008 that became effective in October 2008. The law amended the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code and created an energy efficiency and conservation program and smart metering technology requirements, adopted new PLR electricity supply procurement rules, provided remedies for market misconduct and changed the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS).


Act 129 Smart Meter program - PPL Electric's system-wide meter replacement program that installs wireless digital meters that provide secure communication between PPL Electric and the meter as well as all related infrastructure.

Advanced Metering System -meters and meter-reading systems that provide two-way communication capabilities, which communicate usage and other relevant data to LG&E and KU at regular intervals, and are also able to receive information from LG&E and KU, such as software upgrades and requests to provide meter readings in real time.

AFUDC - allowance for funds used during construction. The cost of equity and debt funds used to finance construction projects of regulated businesses, which is capitalized as part of construction costs.


AIP - annual iteration process.
AOCI - accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.

ARO - asset retirement obligation.

ATM Program - at-the-market stock offering program.

Bcf - billion cubic feet. A unit of measure commonly used in quoting volumes of natural gas.

Cane Run Unit 7 - a natural gas combined-cycleNGCC generating unit in Kentucky, jointly owned by LG&E and KU.

CCR(s) -coal combustion residual(s). CCRs include fly ash, bottom ash and sulfur dioxide scrubber wastes.

Clean Air Act - federal legislation enacted to address certain environmental issues related to air emissions, including acid rain, ozone and toxic air emissions.

Clean Water Act - federal legislation enacted to address certain environmental issues relating to water quality including effluent discharges, cooling water intake, and dredge and fill activities.

COBRACOVID-19 - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which provides individuals the option to temporarily continue employer group health insurance coverage after termination of employment.disease caused by the coronavirus identified in 2019 that caused a global pandemic.

CPCN - Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Authority granted by the KPSC pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.020 to provide utility service to or for the public or the construction of certain plant, equipment, property or facilityfacilities for furnishing of utility service to the public. A CPCN is required for any capital addition, subject to KPSC jurisdiction, in excess of $100 million.

Customer Choice Act - the Pennsylvania Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, legislation enacted to restructure the state's electric utility industry to create retail access to a competitive market for generation of electricity.

DDCP - Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.


ii




Depreciation not normalizedDSIC - the flow-through income tax impact related to the state regulatory treatment of depreciation-related timing differences.

Distribution Automation- advanced grid intelligence enabling LG&E and KU to perform remote monitoring and control, circuit segmentation and "self-healing" of select distribution system circuits, improving grid reliability and efficiency.
DNO - Distribution Network Operator in the U.K.
DOJ - U.S. Department of Justice.
DPCR5 - Distribution Price Control Review 5, the U.K. five-year rate review period applicable to WPD that commenced April 1, 2010.
DRIP - PPL Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan.
DSIC - the Distribution System Improvement Charge authorizedCharge. Authorized under Act 11, which is an alternative ratemaking mechanism providing more-timely cost recovery of qualifying distribution system capital expenditures.

DSM -Demand Side Management. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.285, the KPSC may determine the reasonableness of DSM programs proposed by any utility under its jurisdiction. DSM programs consist of energy efficiency programs intended to reduce peak demand and delay the investment in additional power plant construction, provide customers with tools and information regarding their energy usage and support energy efficiency.
ii


Earnings from Ongoing Operations-a non-GAAP financial measure of earnings adjusted for the impact of special items and used in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (MD&A).

EBPB- Employee Benefit Plan Board. The administrator of PPL's U.S. qualified retirement plans, which is charged with the fiduciary responsibility to oversee and manage those plans and the investments associated with those plans.

ECR - Environmental Cost Recovery. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.183, Kentucky electric utilities are entitled to the current recovery of costs of complying with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and those federal, state or local environmental requirements that apply to coal combustion wastes and by-productsbyproducts from the production of energy from coal.

ELG(s)- Effluent Limitation Guidelines, regulations promulgated by the EPA.

Environmental ResponseFund - Established in RIPUC Docket No. 2930. Created to satisfy remedial and clean-up obligations of RIE arising from the past ownership and/or operation of manufactured gas plants and sites associated with the operation and disposal activities of such gas plants.

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, a U.S. government agency.

EPS - earnings per share.

Fast pot - Under RIIO-ED1, Totex costs that are recovered in the period they are incurred.

FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. federal agency that regulates, among other things, interstate transmission and wholesale sales of electricity, hydroelectric power projects and related matters.

GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S.

GBP - British pound sterling.
GHGGHG(s) - greenhouse gas(es).

GLT-gas line tracker. The KPSC approved mechanism for LG&E's recovery of certain costs associated with gas transmission lines, gas service lines, gas risers, leak mitigation, and gas main replacements.

Green Tariff - a KPSC approved rate schedule, permitting customers to contract with LG&E or KU for the purchase of renewable energy certificates, construction of solar generation and use of the energy produced, or the purchase of energy from a renewable energy generator.

GWh - gigawatt-hour, one million kilowatt hours.

Holdco - Talen Energy Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which was formed for the purposes of the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, LLC.

iii




IBEW- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

ICP - The PPL Incentive Compensation Plan. This plan provides for incentive compensation to PPL's executive officers and certain other senior executives. New awards under the ICP were suspended in 2012 upon adoption of PPL's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.
ICPKE - The PPL Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees. The ICPKE provides for incentive compensation to certain employees below the level of senior executive.

If-Converted Method- A method applied to calculate diluted EPS for a company with outstanding convertible debt. This method generally adds back the interest charges of the debt to net income and the convertible debt is assumed to have been converted to equity at the beginning of the period, and the resulting common shares are treated as outstanding shares for diluted EPS calculations.

IRA-Inflation Reduction Act, a U.S. federal law, which aims to curb inflation by possibly reducing the federal government budget deficit, lowering prescription drug prices, and investing in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy.

IRS - Internal Revenue Service, a U.S. government agency.

ISO - Independent System Operator.

KPSC - Kentucky Public Service Commission, the state agency that has jurisdiction over the regulation of rates and service of utilities in Kentucky.

iii

KU 2010 Mortgage Indenture - KU's Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, to The Bank of New York Mellon, as supplemented.

kV - kilovolt.
kVA - kilovolt ampere.

kWh - kilowatt hour, basic unit of electrical energy.

LCIDA - Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority.

LG&E 2010 Mortgage Indenture - LG&E's Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, to The Bank of New York Mellon, as supplemented.

LIBOR Mcf- London Interbank Offered Rate.one thousand cubic feet, a unit of measure for natural gas.

Margins- a non-GAAP financial measure of performance used in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (MD&A). 

MMBtu - one million British Thermal Units.

MOD - a mechanism applied in the U.K. to adjust allowed base demand revenue in future periods for differences in prior periods between actual values and those in the agreed business plan.
Moody's - Moody's Investors Service, Inc., a credit rating agency.


MPR- Mid-period review, which is a review of output requirements in RIIO-ED1 that can be initiated by Ofgem halfway through the price control covering material changes to existing outputs that can be justified by clear changes in government policy or new outputs that may be needed to meet the needs of consumers and other network users.
MW - megawatt, one thousand kilowatts.

MWac - megawatt, alternating current. The measure of the power output from a solar installation.

NAAQS - National Ambient Air Quality Standards periodically adopted pursuant to the Clean Air Act.

National Grid USA - National Grid USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Grid plc, a British multinational electricity and gas utility company headquartered in London, England.

NEP - New England Power Company, a National Grid U.S. affiliate.

NERC - North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

NGCC - natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating plant.Natural gas combined cycle.

NPNS - the normal purchases and normal sales exception as permitted by derivative accounting rules. Derivatives that qualify for this exception may receive accrual accounting treatment.

NRC - Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. federal agency that regulates nuclear power facilities.
OCI - other comprehensive income or loss.


iv




OfgemOVEC- Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the British agency that regulates transmission, distribution and wholesale sales of electricity and related matters.
OVEC - Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, located in Piketon, Ohio, an entity in which LKE indirectlyLG&E owns an 8.13%a 5.63% interest (consists of LG&E's 5.63% and KU'sKU owns a 2.50% interests),interest, which is accounted for as a cost-method investment.are recorded at cost. OVEC owns and operates two coal-fired power plants, the Kyger Creek plant in Ohio and the Clifty Creek plant in Indiana, with combined capacities of 2,120 MW.

PAPUC - Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the state agency that regulates certain ratemaking, services, accounting and operations of Pennsylvania utilities.

PEDFA - Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority.


Performance unit - stock-based compensation award that represents a variable number of shares of PPL common stock that a recipient may receive based on PPL's attainment of (i) relative total shareowner return (TSR) over a three-year performance period as compared to companies in the Philadelphia Stock ExchangePHLX Utility Sector Index; or (ii) corporate return on equity (ROE) based on the average of the annual ROE for each year of the three-year performance period. In light of the transformational nature of the potential sale of the U.K. utility business in 2021, PPL's ROE-based performance units issued for 2021 were based on a one-year performance period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021; however, these units retained the three year vesting schedule and other characteristics.

PJM - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., operator of the electricity transmission network and electricity energy market in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

iv

PLR - Provider of Last Resort, the role of PPL Electric in providing default electricity supply within its delivery area to retail customers who have not chosen to select an alternative electricity supplier under the Customer Choice Act.

PP&E - property, plant and equipment.

PPL EnergyPlusPPA(s) - prior to the June 1, 2015 spinoff of power purchase agreement(s).

PPL Energy Supply PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that marketed and traded wholesale and retail electricity and gas, and supplied energy and energy services in competitive markets.
PPL Energy Supply - prior to the June 1, 2015 spinoff, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding and the indirect parent company of PPL EnergyPlusMontana, LLC.

PPL EU Services - PPL EU Services Corporation, a former subsidiary of PPL that, prior to being merged into PPL Services on December 31, 2021, provided administrative, management and other subsidiaries.support services primarily to PPL Electric.

PUC PPL Montana- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission,prior to the state agencyJune 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Montana, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that regulates certain ratemaking, services, accountinggenerated electricity for wholesale sales in Montana and operationsthe Pacific Northwest.

PPL WPD Investments Limited - PPL WPD Investments Limited, which was, prior to the sale of Pennsylvania utilities.

RAV - regulatory asset value. This term, used within the U.K. regulatory environment, is also commonly known as RAB or regulatory asset base. RAV is basedutility business on historical investment costs at timeJune 14, 2021, a subsidiary of privatization, plus subsequent allowed additions less annual regulatory depreciation,PPL WPD Limited and represents the value on which DNOs earn a return in accordance with the regulatory cost of capital. RAV is indexed to Retail Price Index (RPI) in order to allow for the effects of inflation. RAV additions have been based on a percentage of annual total expenditures that have a long-term benefitparent to WPD (similar to capital projects for the U.S. regulated businesses that are generallyplc. PPL WPD Investments Limited was included in rate base).the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021.

RAR – Retired Asset Recovery rider, established by KPSC orders in 2021 to provide for recovery of and return on the remaining investment in certain electric generating units upon their retirement over a ten-year period following retirement.

RCRA - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.

RECs - renewable energy credits.
Regional Transmission Expansion Plan - PJM conducts a long-range Regional Transmission Expansion Planning process that identifies changes and additions to the PJM grid necessary to ensure future needs are met for both the reliability and the economic performance of the grid. Under PJM agreements, transmission owners are obligated to build transmission projects assigned to them by the PJM Board.

Registrant(s) - refers to the Registrants named on the cover of this Report (each a "Registrant" and collectively, the "Registrants").

Regulation S-XRIPUC - SEC regulation governingRhode Island Public Utilities Commission, a three-member quasi-judicial tribunal with jurisdiction, powers, and duties to implement and enforce the formstandards of conduct under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-27.6 and contentto hold investigations and hearings involving the rates, tariffs, tolls, and charges, and the sufficiency and reasonableness of facilities and requirements for financial statements required to be filed pursuant to the federal securities laws.accommodations of public utilities.

RFC - ReliabilityFirst Corporation, one of eight regional entities with delegated authority from NERC that work to safeguard the reliability of the bulk power systems throughout North America.

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RIIO - Ofgem's framework for setting U.K. regulated gas and electric utility price controls which stands for "Revenues = Incentive + Innovation + Outputs." RIIO-1 refers to the first generation of price controls under the RIIO framework. RIIO-ED1 refers to the RIIO regulatory price control applicable to the operators of U.K. electricity distribution networks, the duration of which is April 2015 through March 2023. RIIO-2 refers to the second generation of price controls under the RIIO framework. RIIO-ED2 refers to the second regulatory price control applicable to the operators of U.K. electricity distribution networks, which will begin in April 2023.
Riverstone - Riverstone Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and, as of December 6, 2016, ultimate parent company of the entities that own the competitive power generation business contributed to Talen Energy.

RJS PowerRhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers - RJS Generation the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, which is headed by an Administrator who is not a Commissioner of the RIPUC, exercises the jurisdiction, supervision, power, and duties not specifically assigned to the RIPUC.

RTO - Regional Transmission Operator, an electric power transmission system operator that coordinates, controls and monitors a multi-state electric grid.

Safari Energy - Safari Energy, LLC, which was, prior to the sale of Safari Holdings on November 1, 2022, a subsidiary of Safari Holdings that provided solar energy solutions for commercial customers in the U.S.

Safari Holdings - Safari Holdings, LLC, which was, prior to its sale on November 1, 2022, a Delaware limited liabilitysubsidiary of PPL and parent holding company controlled by Riverstone, that owns the competitive power generation business contributed by its owners to Talenof Safari Energy.


RPI - retail price index, is a measure of inflation in the United Kingdom published monthly by the Office for National Statistics.
Sarbanes-Oxley - Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which sets requirements for management's assessment of internal controls for financial reporting. It also requires an independent auditor to make its own assessment.


SCRs - selective catalytic reduction, a pollution control process for the removal of nitrogen oxide from exhaust gas.

Scrubber - an air pollution control device that can remove particulates and/or gases (primarily sulfur dioxide) from exhaust gases.


SEC - the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a U.S. government agency primarily responsible to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities markets.

SERC - SERC Reliability Corporation, one of eight regional entities with delegated authority from NERC that work to safeguard the reliability of the bulk power systems throughout North America.
SIP - PPL Corporation's Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.
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Slow pot - Under RIIO-ED1, Totex costs that are added (capitalized) to RAV and recovered through depreciation over a 20 to 45 year period.Table of Contents

Smart meter - an electric meter that utilizes smart metering technology.
Smart metering technology - technology that can measure, among other things, time of electricity consumption to permit offering rate incentives for usage during lower cost or demand intervals. The use of this technology also has the potential to strengthen network reliability.


SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate, a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities.

S&P - Standard & Poor'sS&P Global Ratings, Services, a credit rating agency.

Superfund - federal environmental statute that addresses remediation of contaminated sites; states also have similar statutes.

Talen Energy - Talen Energy Corporation, the Delaware corporation formed to be the publicly traded company and owner of the competitive generation assets of PPL Energy Supply and certain affiliates of Riverstone, which as of December 6, 2016, became wholly owned by Riverstone.

Talen Energy Marketing - Talen Energy Marketing, LLC, the newsuccessor name of PPL EnergyPlus, subsequent toafter the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply that marketed and traded wholesale and retail electricity and gas, and supplied energy and energy services in competitive markets, after the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply.

TCJA - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Comprehensive U.S. federal tax legislation enacted on December 22, 2017.


Total shareowner return - the change in market value of a share of the Company'scompany's common stock plus the value of all dividends paid on a share of the common stock during the applicable performance period, divided by the price of the common stock as of the beginning of the performance period. The price used for purposes of this calculation is the average share price for the 20 trading days at the beginning and end of the applicable period.


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Totex (total expenditures) -Totex generally consists of all the expenditures relating to WPD's regulated activities with the exception of certain specified expenditure items (Ofgem fees, National Grid transmission charges, property and corporate income taxes, pension deficit funding and cost of capital). The annual net additions to RAV are calculated as a percentage of Totex. Totex can be viewed as the aggregate net network investment, net network operating costs and indirect costs, less any cash proceeds from the sale of assets and scrap.

Treasury Stock Method - a method applied to calculate diluted EPS that assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of options and warrants (and their equivalents) would be used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the relevant period.


TRUU.K. utility business - a mechanism applied inPPL WPD Investments Limited and its subsidiaries, including, notably, WPD plc and the four distribution network operators, which substantially represented PPL's U.K. to true-up inflation estimates used in determining base demand revenue.Regulated segment. The U.K. utility business was sold on June 14, 2021.


U.K. Finance ActsUWUA - refers to U.K. Finance ActUtility Workers Union of 2015 and 2016, enacted in November 2015 and September 2016 respectively, which collectively reduced the U.K. statutory corporate income tax rate from 20% to 19%, effective April 1, 2017 and from 19% to 17%, effective April 1, 2020.America.

VEBA - Voluntary Employee Benefit Association Trust, accounts for healthBeneficiary Association. A tax-exempt trust under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(9) used by employers to fund and welfare plans for future benefit payments for employees, retirees or their beneficiaries.pay eligible medical, life and similar benefits.

VSCC - Virginia State Corporation Commission, the state agency that has jurisdiction over the regulation of Virginia corporations, including utilities.



WPD - Prior to the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021, refers to PPL WPD Investments Limited and its subsidiaries. WPD was included in the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021.

WPD plc - Western Power Distribution plc, prior to the sale of the U.K utility business, a U.K. indirect subsidiary of PPL WPD Limited. Its principal indirectly owned subsidiaries are WPD (East Midlands), WPD (South Wales), WPD (South West) and WPD (West Midlands). WPD plc was included in the sale of the U.K. utility business on June 14, 2021.
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Forward-looking Information
 
Statements contained in this Annual Report concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although the Registrants believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. In addition to the specific factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Annual Report, the following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements:

strategic acquisitions, dispositions, or similar transactions and our ability to consummate these business transactions or realize expected benefits from them;
pandemic health events or other catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather-related events (including events potentially caused or exacerbated by climate change) and their impact on economic conditions, financial markets and supply chains;
capital market conditions, including the availability of capital, credit or insurance, changes in interest rates and certain economic indices, and decisions regarding capital structure;
volatility in or the impact of other changes in financial markets, commodity prices and economic conditions, including inflation;
weather and other conditions affecting generation, transmission and distribution operations, operating costs and customer energy use;
the outcome of rate cases or other cost recovery, revenue or revenue filings;regulatory proceedings;
the direct or indirect effects on PPL or its subsidiaries or business systems of cyber-based intrusion or the threat of cyberattacks;
significant changes in U.S. or U.K. tax laws or regulations, including the TCJA;
effects of cyber-based intrusions or natural disasters, threatened or actual terrorism, war or other hostilities;
significant decreases in demand for electricity in the U.S.;electricity;
expansion of alternative and distributed sources of electricity generation and storage;
changes in foreign currency exchange rates for British pound sterling and the related impact on unrealized gains and losses on PPL's foreign currency economic hedges;
the effectiveness of our risk management programs, including foreign currencycommodity and interest rate hedging;
non-achievement by WPD of performance targets set by Ofgem;
the results of the potential RIIO-ED1 MPR currently being evaluated by Ofgem, with a decision as to whether to engage in such a review and the scope thereof to be announced in the spring of 2018;
the effect of changes in RPI on WPD's revenues and index linked debt;
developments related to ongoing negotiations regarding the U.K.'s intent to withdraw from European Union and any actions in response thereto;
defaults by counterparties or suppliers for energy, capacity, coal, natural gas or key commodities, goods or services;
capital market conditions, including the availability of capital or credit, changes in interest rates and certain economic indices, and decisions regarding capital structure;
a material decline in the market value of PPL's equity;
significant decreases in the fair value of debt and equity securities and itstheir impact on the value of assets in defined benefit plans, and the potentialrelated cash funding requirements if the fair value declines;of those assets decline;
interest rates and their effect on pension and retiree medical liabilities, ARO liabilities, and interest payable on certain debt securities;securities, and the general economy;
volatility in or the impact of other changes in financial markets and economic conditions;
the potential impact of any unrecorded commitments and liabilities of the Registrants and their subsidiaries;
new accounting requirements or new interpretations or applications of existing requirements;
adverse changes in the corporate credit ratings or securities analyst rankings of the Registrants and their securities;
any requirement to record impairment charges pursuant to GAAP with respect to any of our significant investments;
laws or regulations to reduce emissions of GHGs or the physical effects of climate change;
continuing ability to access fuel supply for LG&E and KU, as well as the ability to recover fuel costs and environmental expenditures in a timely manner at LG&E and KU and natural gas supply costs at LG&E;&E and RIE;
weatherwar, armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, or similar disruptive events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Red Sea and other conditions affecting generation, transmission and distribution operations, operating costs and customer energy use;Gaza;
changes in political, regulatory or economic conditions in states regions or countriesregions where the Registrants or their subsidiaries conduct business;
receipt ofthe ability to obtain necessary governmental permits and approvals;
newchanges in state or federal tax laws or regulations;
changes in state, federal or foreign legislation or regulatory developments;
the impact of any state, federal or foreign investigations applicable to the Registrants and their subsidiaries and the energy industry;
our ability to attract and retain qualified employees;
the effect of changing expectations and demands of our customers, regulators, investors and stakeholders, including views on environmental, social and governance concerns;
the effect of any business or industry restructuring;
development of new projects, markets and technologies;
performance of new ventures;
business dispositions or acquisitions and our ability to realize expected benefits from such business transactions;
collective labor bargaining negotiations;negotiations and labor costs; and
the outcome of litigation againstinvolving the Registrants and their subsidiaries.





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Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these important factors and in conjunction with other documents of the Registrants on file with the SEC.


New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Registrants to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Registrants undertake no obligation to update the information contained in the statement to reflect subsequent developments or information.


Investors should note that PPL announces material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidelines, PPL also uses the Investors section of its website, www.pplweb.com, to communicate with investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on PPL's website is not part of this document.
 





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PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
General
 
(All Registrants)
 
PPL, Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a utility holding company, incorporated in 1994, in connection with the deregulation of electricity generation in Pennsylvania, to serve as the parent company to the regulated utility, PPL Electric, and to generation and other unregulated business activities. PPL Electric was founded in 1920 as Pennsylvania Power & Light Company.1994. PPL, through its regulated utility subsidiaries, delivers electricity to customers in the U.K., Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee;Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky;Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky. In June 2015, PPL completed the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, which combined its competitive power generation businesses with those of Riverstone to form a new, stand-alone, publicly traded company named Talen Energy. See "Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply" below for more information.
 
PPL's principal subsidiaries at December 31, 20172023 are shown below (* denotes a Registrant).
  
PPL Corporation*
PPL Corporation*
PPL Capital Funding
Provides financing for the operations of PPL and certain subsidiaries


PPL Global
Engages in the regulated distribution of electricity in the U.K.
LKE*
PPL Electric*
Engages in the regulated transmission and distribution of electricity in Pennsylvania
LKE
A holding company that owns regulated utility operations through its subsidiaries, LG&E and KU
RIE
Engages in the regulated transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and regulated distribution and sale of natural gas in Rhode Island
LG&E*
Engages in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the regulated distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky
KU*
Engages in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, primarily in Kentucky
U.K.
Pennsylvania
Regulated Segment
Kentucky

Regulated Segment
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Regulated Segment
PPL Global is not a registrant. Unaudited annual consolidated financial statements for the U.K. Regulated Segment are furnished contemporaneously with this report on a Form 8-K with the SEC.


In addition to PPL, the other Registrants included in this filing are as follows.
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of PPL organized in Pennsylvania in 1920 and a regulated public utility that is an electricity transmission and distribution service provider in eastern and central Pennsylvania. PPL Electric is subject to regulation as a public utility by the PUC,PAPUC, and certain of its transmission activities are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC under the Federal Power Act. PPL Electric delivers electricity in its Pennsylvania service area and provides electricity supply to retail customers in that area as a PLR under the Customer Choice Act. PPL Electric was organized in 1920 as Pennsylvania Power & Light Company.
 
LG&E, and KU Energy LLC, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a wholly owned subsidiary of PPL and a holding company that owns regulated utility operations through its subsidiaries, LG&E and KU, which constitute substantially all of LKE's assets. LG&E and KU are engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. LG&E also


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engages in the distribution and sale of natural gas. LG&E and KU maintain separate corporate identities and serve customers in Kentucky under their respective names. KU also serves customers in Virginia under the Old Dominion Power name and in Tennessee under the KU name. LKE, formed in 2003, is the successor to a Kentucky entity incorporated in 1989.
Louisville Gas and Electric Company, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of LKE and a regulated utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky. LG&E is subject to regulation as a public utility by the KPSC, and certain of its transmission activities are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC under the Federal Power Act. LG&E was incorporated in 1913.


Kentucky Utilities Company,KU, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, is a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of LKE and a regulated utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in Kentucky Virginia and Tennessee.Virginia. KU is subject to regulation as a public utility by the KPSC and the VSCC, and certain of its transmission and wholesale power activities are subject to the jurisdiction


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of the FERC under the Federal Power Act. KU serves its Kentucky customers under the KU name and its Virginia customers under the Old Dominion Power name and its Kentucky and Tennessee customers under the KU name. KU was incorporated in Kentucky in 1912 and in Virginia in 1991.
 
Segment Information
 
(PPL)
 
PPL is organized into three reportable segments as depicted in the chart above: U.K. Regulated, Kentucky Regulated, and Pennsylvania Regulated. The U.K. Regulated segment has no related subsidiary Registrants. PPL's other reportable segments' resultswhich primarily representrepresents the results of its related subsidiary Registrants, except thatLG&E and KU, Pennsylvania Regulated, which primarily represents the reportable segments are also allocated certainresults of PPL Electric, and Rhode Island Regulated, which primarily represents the results of RIE. "Corporate and Other" primarily includes corporate level financing costs, certain unallocated costs, and othercertain non-recoverable costs that are not includedincurred in conjunction with the acquisition of Narragansett Electric and the financial results of Safari Energy, prior to its sale on November 1, 2022.

Beginning on January 1, 2023, the applicable subsidiary Registrants. PPL also has corporateKentucky Regulated segment consists primarily of the regulated electricity generation, transmission and other costs which primarily include financing costs incurred at the corporate level that have not been allocated or assigned to the segments,distribution operations conducted by LG&E and KU, as well as certain other unallocated costs.LG&E's regulated distribution and sale of natural gas. Prior to January 1, 2023, the Kentucky Regulated segment also included the financing activities of LKE. The financing activity of LKE is presented in "Corporate and Other" beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change. As a result, PPL’s segments consist of its regulated operations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island and exclude any incremental financing activities of holding companies, which Management believes is a more meaningful presentation as it provides information on the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, PPL no longer has a Supply segment. Thecore regulated operations of the Supply segment are included in "Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)" on the Statements of Income.PPL.


A comparison of PPL's three regulatedRegulated segments is shown below.
KentuckyPennsylvaniaRhode Island
RegulatedRegulatedRegulated
For the year ended December 31, 2023:  
Operating Revenues (in billions)$3.5 $3.0 $1.9 
Net Income (in millions)$552 $519 $96 
Electricity delivered (GWh)28,809 35,704 7,174 
Natural gas delivered (Bcf)41 — 38 
At December 31, 2023:  
Regulatory Asset Base (in billions) (a)$12.0 $9.8 $3.2 
Service area (in square miles)8,000 10,000 1,200 
Customers (in millions)1.3 1.5 0.8 
   Kentucky Pennsylvania
 U.K. Regulated Regulated Regulated
For the year ended December 31, 2017:     
Operating Revenues (in billions)$2.1
 $3.2
 $2.2
Net Income (in millions)$652
 $286
 $359
Electricity delivered (GWh)74,317
 31,839
 35,996
At December 31, 2017: 
  
  
Regulatory Asset Base (in billions) (a)$9.8
 $9.2
 $6.9
Service area (in square miles)21,600
 9,400
 10,000
End-users (in millions)7.9
 1.3
 1.4

(a)Represents capitalization for Kentucky Regulated and rate base for Pennsylvania Regulated and Rhode Island Regulated. The amount for Rhode Island Regulated excludes acquisition-related adjustments for non-earning assets.
(a)Represents RAV for U.K. Regulated, capitalization for Kentucky Regulated and rate base for Pennsylvania Regulated.

See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional financial information aboutby segment. See Note 3 to the segments.Financial Statements for additional revenue information.

(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL Electric has two operating segments, thatdistribution and transmission, which are aggregated into a single reportable segment. LKE,Each of LG&E and KU are individuallyoperates as a single operating and reportable segments.segment.


U.K.Kentucky Regulated Segment(PPL)


ConsistsThe Kentucky Regulated segment consists primarily of PPL Global, which primarily includes WPD'sthe regulated electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations the results of hedging the translation of WPD's earnings from British pound sterling into U.S. dollars,conducted by LG&E and certain costs, such as U.S. income taxes, administrative costs and acquisition-related financing costs.



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WPD operates four of the 14 Ofgem regulated DNOs providing electricity service in the U.K. through indirect wholly owned subsidiaries: WPD (South West), WPD (South Wales), WPD (East Midlands) and WPD (West Midlands). The number of network customers (end-users) served by WPD totals 7.9 million across 21,600 square miles in south Wales and southwest and central England.
Revenues, in millions, for the years ended December 31 are shown below. 
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Revenues (a)$2,091
 $2,207
 $2,410
(a)WPD’s Operating Revenues are translated from GBP to U.S. dollars using the average GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect each month. The annual weighted average of the monthly GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rates used for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $1.28 per GBP, $1.37 per GBP and $1.53 per GBP.

Franchise and Licenses

WPD’s operations are regulated by Ofgem under the direction of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. Ofgem is a non-ministerial government department and an independent National Regulatory Authority that is responsible for protecting the interests of existing and future electricity and natural gas consumers. The Electricity Act 1989 provides the fundamental framework for electricity companies and established licenses that require each of the DNOs to develop, maintain and operate efficient distribution networks. WPD’s operations are regulated under these licenses which set the outputs WPD needs to deliver for their customers and associated revenues WPD is allowed to earn. WPD operates under a regulatory year that begins April 1 and ends March 31 of each year.

Ofgem has the formal power to propose modifications to each distribution license; however licensees can appeal such changes to the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority in the event of a disagreement with the regulator. Generally, any potential changes to these licenses are reviewed with stakeholders in a formal regulatory consultation process prior to a formal change proposal.

Competition

Although WPD operates in non-exclusive concession areas in the U.K., it currently faces little competition with respect to end-users connected to its network. WPD's four distribution businesses are, therefore, regulated monopolies, which operate under regulatory price controls.

Customers
WPD provides regulated electricity distribution services to licensed third party energy suppliers who use WPD's networks to transfer electricity to their customers, the end-users. WPD bills energy suppliers for this service and the supplier is responsible for billing its end-users. Ofgem requires that all licensed electricity distributors and suppliers become parties to the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement. This agreement specifies how creditworthiness will be determined and, as a result, whether the supplier needs to collateralize its payment obligations.

WPD’s costs make up approximately 16% of a U.K. end-user customer’s electricity bill.

U.K. Regulation and Rates
Overview
Ofgem has adopted a price control regulatory framework with a balanced objective of enhancing and developing electricity networks for the future, controlling costs to customers and allowing DNOs, such as WPD's DNOs, to earn a fair return on their investments. This regulatory structure is focused on outputs and performance in contrast to traditional U.S. utility ratemaking that operates under a cost recovery model. Price controls are established based on long-term business plans developed by each DNO with substantial input from its stakeholders. To measure the outputs and performance, each DNO business plan includes incentive targets that allow for increases and/or reductions in revenues based on operational performance, which are intended to align returns with quality of service, innovation and customer satisfaction.

For comparative purposes, amounts listed below are in British pounds sterling, nominal prices and in calendar years unless otherwise noted.



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Key Ratemaking Mechanisms

PPL believes the U.K. electricity utility model is a premium jurisdiction in which to do business due to its significant stakeholder engagement, incentive-based structure and high-quality ratemaking mechanisms.

Current Price Control: RIIO-ED1
WPD is currently operating under an eight-year price control period called RIIO-ED1, which commenced for electricity distribution companies on April 1, 2015. The regulatory framework is based on an updated approach for sustainable network regulation known as the "RIIO" model where Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs.

The RIIO framework allows for a MPR, which is a review halfway through the price control period to assess potential changes in outputs during the price control period. The scope of the potential MPR was originally limited to material changes to outputs that can be justified by clear changes in government policy and the introduction of new outputs that are needed to meet the needs of consumers and other network users. Ofgem is currently consulting on the scope of the potential MPR. See "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Overview - Financial and Operational Developments - Regulatory Requirements" for additional information.

In coordination with numerous stakeholders, WPD developed its business plans for RIIO-ED1 building off its historical track record and long-term strategy of delivering industry-leading levels of performance at an efficient level of cost. As a result, all four of WPD’s DNOs' business plans were accepted by Ofgem as "well justified" and were "fast-tracked" ahead of all of the other DNOs. WPD's DNOs were rewarded for being fast-tracked with preferential financial incentives, a higher return on equity and higher cost savings retention under their business plans as discussed further below.

WPD's combined RIIO-ED1 business plans include funding for total expenditures of approximately £12.8 billion (nominal) over the eight-year period, broken down as follows:

Totex - £8.5 billion (£6.8 billion recovered as additions to RAV over time ("Slow pot"); £1.7 billion recovered in the year spent in the plan ("Fast pot"));
Pension deficit funding - £1.2 billion;
Cost of debt recovery - £1.0 billion;
Pass Through Charges - £1.6 billion (Property taxes, Ofgem fees and National Grid transmissions charges); and
Corporate income taxes recovery - £0.5 billion.

The chart below illustrates the building blocks of allowed revenue and GAAP net income for the U.K. Regulated Segment. The revenue components are shown in either 2012/13 prices or nominal prices, consistent with the formulas Ofgem established for RIIO-ED1. The reference numbers included in each block correspond with the descriptions that follow.
(a)Primarily pension deficit funding, pass through costs, profiling adjustments and legacy price control adjustments.
(b)Primarily pass through true-ups and £5 per residential customer reduction.



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(c)Reference Form 8-K filed February 22, 2018 for U.K. Regulated Segment GAAP Statement of Income component values.
(d)Includes GAAP pension costs/income (see “Defined Benefits, Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)” in Note 11 to the Financial Statements).
(e)Primarily property taxes.
(f)Primarily gains and losses on foreign currency hedges.
(g)Includes WPD interest and $32 million of allocated interest expense to finance the acquisition of WPD Midlands.
(h)GAAP income taxes represent an effective tax rate of 19% for 2017, 16% for 2016 and approximately 17% going forward.

(1) Base Revenue

The base revenue that a DNO can collect in each year of the current price control period is the sum of the following which are discussed further below:

a return on capital from RAV;
a return of capital from RAV (i.e., depreciation);
the Fast pot recovery, see discussion “(4) Expenditure efficiency mechanisms” below;
an allowance for cash taxes paid less a potential reduction for tax benefits from excess leverage if a DNO is levered more than 65% Debt/RAV;
pension deficit funding
certain pass-through costs over which the DNO has no control;
profiling adjustments, see discussion “(6) Other revenue included in base revenue” below;
certain legacy price control adjustments from preceding price control periods, including the information quality incentive (also known as the rolling RAV incentive); and
fast-track incentive - because WPD's four DNOs were fast-tracked through the price control review process for RIIO-ED1, their base demand revenue also includes the fast-track incentive.

(2) Real Return on capital from RAV

Real-time returns on cost of regulated equity (real) - Ofgem establishes an allowed return on regulated equity that DNOs earn in their base business plan revenues as a consideration of the financial parameters for each RIIO-ED1 business plan. For WPD, the base cost of equity collected in revenues was set at 6.4% (real). Base equity returns exclude inflation adjustments, allowances for incentive rewards/penalties and over/under collections driven by cost efficiencies. WPD’s base equity returns are calculated using an equity ratio of 35% of RAV at the DNO. The equity ratio was reviewed and set during the RIIO-ED1 business plan process taking various stakeholder impacts into consideration such as costs to consumers, credit ratings and investor needs. The amounts of base real equity return, for 2017 and 2016 were £151 million and £144 million.

Indexed cost of debt recovery (real) - As part of WPD’s fast-track agreement with Ofgem for RIIO-ED1, WPD collects in revenues an assumed real cost of debt that is derived from a historical 10-year bond index (iBoxx) and adjusted annually for inflation. This calculated real cost of debt is then applied to 65% of RAV at the DNOs to determine the cost of debt revenue recovery. The cost of debt was set at 2.55% in the original "well justified" business plans. The recovery amounts are trued up annually as a component of the MOD true-up mechanism described within "(9) MOD and Inflation True-Up (TRU)" below.

Actual interest expense is reflective of prior financing activities and any financing required to fund capital expenditures. Therefore, the amount collected in revenues may differ from the actual interest expense recorded in the Statements of Income. Currently, WPD is under-recovering its DNO-related interest expense and is expected to continue to under-recover through the remainder of RIIO-ED1.

Interest costs relating to debt issued at WPD’s holding companies are not recovered in revenues and for 2017 and 2016 were approximately £49 million and £54 million.

(3) Recovery of depreciation in revenues - Recovery of depreciation in regulatory revenues is one of the key mechanisms Ofgem uses to support financeable business plans that provide incentives to attract the continued substantial investment required in the U.K. Differences between GAAP and regulatory depreciation exist primarily due to differing assumptions on asset lives and because RAV is adjusted for inflation using RPI.

Compared to asset lives established for GAAP, asset lives established for ratemaking are set by Ofgem based on economic lives which results in improved near-term revenues and cash flows for DNOs during investment cycles. Under U.K. regulation prior to RIIO-ED1, electric distribution assets were depreciated on a 20-year asset life for the purpose of setting revenues. After review and consultation, Ofgem decided to use 45-year asset lives for RAV additions after April 1, 2015, with transitional arrangements available for DNOs that fully demonstrated a need to ensure a financeable plan. WPD adopted a transition that


7


has a linear increase in asset lives from 20 to 45 years for additions to RAV in each year of RIIO-ED1 (with additions averaging a life of approximately 35 years over this period), which adds support to its credit metrics. RAV additions prior to March 31, 2015 continue to be recovered in revenues over 20 years.

The asset lives used to determine depreciation expense for GAAP purposes are not the same as those used for the depreciation of the RAV in setting revenues and, as such, vary by asset type and are based on the expected useful lives of the assets. Effective January 1, 2015 after completing a review of the useful lives of its distribution network assets, WPD set the weighted average useful lives to 69 years for GAAP depreciation expense.

Because Ofgem uses a real cost of capital, the RAV and recovery of depreciation are adjusted for inflation using RPI. The inflation revenues collected in this line item help recover the cost of equity and debt returns on a "nominal" basis, compared to the "real" rates used to set the return component of base revenues.

This regulatory construct, in combination with the different assets lives used for ratemaking and GAAP, results in amounts collected by WPD as recovery of depreciation in revenues being significantly higher than the amounts WPD recorded for depreciation expense under GAAP. For 2017 and 2016, this difference was £424 million and £415 million (pre-tax) and positively impacted net income. We expect this difference to continue in the £400 million to £450 million (pre-tax) range at least through 2022 (the last full calendar year of RIIO-ED1) assuming RPI of approximately 3.0% per year from 2018 through 2022 and based on expected RAV additions of approximately £800 million per year to prepare the distribution system for future U.K. energy objectives while maintaining premier levels of reliability and customer service.

(4) Expenditure efficiency mechanisms -Ofgem introduced the concept of Totex in RIIO to ensure all DNOs face equal incentives in choosing between operating and capital solutions. Totex is split between immediate recovery (called "Fast pot") and deferred recovery as an addition to the RAV (called "Slow pot"). The ratio of Slow pot to Fast pot was determined by each DNO in their business plan development. WPD established a Totex split of 80% Slow pot and 20% Fast pot for RIIO-ED1 to balance maximizing RAV growth with immediate cost recovery to support investment grade credit ratings. Comparatively, other DNOs on average used a ratio of approximately 70% Slow pot and 30% Fast pot for RIIO-ED1.

Ofgem also allows a Totex Incentive Mechanism that is intended to reward DNOs for cost efficiency. WPD's DNOs are able to retain 70% of any amounts not spent against its RIIO-ED1 plan and bear 70% of any over-spends. Any amounts to be returned to customers are trued up in the AIP discussed below.

Because Fast pot cost recovery represents 20% of Totex expenditures and certain other costs are recovered in other aspects of revenue, Fast pot will not equal operation and maintenance expenses recorded for GAAP purposes.

(5) Income Tax Allowance - For price control purposes, WPD collects income tax based on Ofgem’s notional tax charge, which will not equal the amount of income tax expense recorded for GAAP purposes. The following table shows the amount of taxes collected in revenues and recorded under GAAP.
  2017 2016
Taxes collected in revenues £57
 £53
Taxes recorded under GAAP 139
 119

(6) Other revenue included in base revenue - Other revenue included in base revenue primarily consists of pension deficit funding, pass through costs, profiling adjustments and legacy price control adjustments.

Recovery of annual (normal) pension cost and pension deficit funding - Ofgem allows DNOs to recover annual (normal) pension costs through the Totex allocation, split between the previously described Fast pot (immediate recovery) and Slow pot recovery (as an addition to RAV). The amount of normal pension cost is computed by the pension trustees, using assumptions that differ from those used in calculating pension costs/income under GAAP. In addition, the timing of the revenue collection may not match the actual pension payment schedule, resulting in a timing difference of cash flows.

In addition, WPD recovers approximately 80% of pension deficit funding for certain of WPD's defined benefit pension plans in conjunction with actual costs similar to the Fast pot mechanism. The pension deficit is determined by the pension trustees on a triennial basis in accordance with their funding requirements. Pension deficit funding recovered in revenues was £142 million and £139 million in 2017 and 2016.

See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on pension costs/income recognized under GAAP.


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Recovery of pass through costs - WPD recovers certain pass-through costs over which the DNO has no control such as property taxes, National Grid transmission charges and Ofgem fees. Although these items are intended to be pass-through charges there could be timing differences, primarily related to property taxes, as to when amounts are collected in revenues and when amounts are expensed in the Statements of Income. WPD over-collected property taxes by £19 million and £8 million in 2017 and 2016. WPD expects to continue to over-recover property taxes until the end of RIIO-ED1. Amounts under-or over-recovered in revenues in a regulatory year are trued up through revenues two regulatory years later.

Profiling adjustments - Ofgem permitted DNOs the flexibility to make profiling adjustments to their base revenues within their business plans. These adjustments do not affect the total base revenue in real terms over the eight-year price control period, but change the year in which the revenue is collected. In the first year of RIIO-ED1, WPD’s base revenue decreased by 11.8% compared to the final year of the prior price control period (DPCR5), primarily due to a change in profiling methodology and a lower weighted-average cost of capital. Base revenue then increases by approximately 2.5% per annum before inflation for regulatory years up to March 31, 2018 and by approximately 1% per annum before inflation for each regulatory year thereafter for the remainder of RIIO-ED1.

(7) Incentives for developing high-quality business plans (known as fast-tracking) - For RIIO-ED1, Ofgem incentivized DNOs with certain financial rewards to develop "well justified" business plans that drive value to customers. WPD was awarded the following incentives for being fast-tracked by Ofgem:

an annual fast-track revenue incentive worth 2.5% of Totex (approximately £25 million annually for WPD);
a real cost of equity rate of 6.4% compared to 6.0% for slow-tracked DNOs; and,
cost savings retention was established at 70% for WPD compared to approximately 55% for slow-tracked DNOs.

(8) Allowed Revenue -Allowed revenue is the amount that a DNO can collect from its customers in order to fund its investment requirements.

Base revenues are adjusted annually during RIIO-ED1 to arrive at allowed revenues. These adjustments are discussed in sections (9) through (13) below.

(9) MOD and Inflation True-Up (TRU)
MOD - RIIO-ED1 includes an AIP that allows future base revenues, agreed with the regulator as part of the price control review, to be updated during the price control period for financial adjustments including taxes, pensions, cost of debt, legacy price control adjustments from preceding price control periods and adjustments relating to actual and allowed total expenditure together with the Totex Incentive Mechanism (TIM). The AIP calculates an incremental change to base revenue, known as the "MOD" adjustment.

The MOD provided by Ofgem in November 2016 included the TIM for the 2015/16 regulatory year,KU, as well as the cost of debt calculation based on the 10-year trailing average to October 2016. This MOD of £12 million reduced base revenue in calendar years 2017 and 2018 by £8 million and £4 million.
The MOD provided by Ofgem in November 2017 for the 2016/17 regulatory year is a £39 million reduction to revenue and will reduce base revenue in calendar years 2018 and 2019 by £26 million and £13 million.
The projected MOD for the 2017/18 regulatory year is a £45 million reduction to revenue and is expected to reduce base revenue in calendar years 2019 and 2020 by £30 million and £15 million.

TRU - As discussed below in "(10) Inflation adjusted, multi-year rate cycle," the base revenue for the RIIO-ED1 period was set based on 2012/13 prices. Therefore an inflation factor as determined by forecasted RPI, provided by HM Treasury, is applied to base revenue. Forecasted RPI is trued up to actuals and affects future base revenue two regulatory years later. This revenue change is called the "TRU" adjustment.

The TRU for the 2015/16 regulatory year was a £31 million reduction to revenue and reduced base revenue in calendar years 2017 and 2018 by £21 million and £10 million.
The TRU for the 2016/17 regulatory year was a £6 million reduction to revenue and will reduce base revenue in calendar years 2018 and 2019 by £4 million and £2 million.
The projected TRU for the 2017/18 regulatory year is a £5 million increase to revenue and is expected to increase base revenue in calendar years 2019 and 2020 by £3 million and £2 million.



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As both MOD and TRU are changes to future base revenues as determined by Ofgem, these adjustments are recognized as a component of revenues in future years in which service is provided and revenues are collected or returned to customers. PPL's projected earnings per share growth rate through 2020 includes both the TRU and MOD for regulatory years 2015/16 and 2016/17 and the estimated TRU and MOD for 2017/18.

(10) Inflation adjusted, multi-year rate cycle - Ofgem built its price control framework to better coincide with the long-term nature of electricity distribution investments. The current price control for electricity distribution is for the eight-year period from April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2023. This both required and enabled WPD to design a base business plan with predictable revenues and expenses over the long-term to drive value for its customers through predetermined outputs and for its investors through preset base returns. A key aspect to the multi-year cycle is an annual inflation adjustment for revenue and cost components, which are inflated using RPI from the base 2012/13 prices used to establish the business plans. Consistent with Ofgem’s formulas, the inflation adjustment is applied to base revenue, MOD and TRU when determining allowed revenue. This inflation adjustment also has the effect of inflating RAV, and real returns are earned on the inflated RAV.

(11) Incentive revenues for strong operational performance and innovation - Ofgem has established incentives to provide opportunities for DNOs to enhance overall returns by improving network efficiency, reliability and customer service. These incentives can result in an increase or reduction in revenues based on incentives or penalties for actual performance against pre-established targets based on past performance. Some of the more significant incentives that may affect allowed revenue include the Interruptions Incentive Scheme (IIS), the broad measure of customer service (BMCS) and the time to connect (TTC) incentive:

The IIS has two major components: (1) Customer interruptions (CIs) and (2) Customer minutes lost (CMLs), and both are designed to incentivize the DNOs to invest in and operate their networks to manage and reduce both the frequency and duration of power outages.
The BMCS encompasses customer satisfaction in supply interruptions, connections and general inquiries, complaints, stakeholder engagement and delivery of social obligations.
The TTC incentive rewards DNOs for reducing connection times for minor connections against an Ofgem set target.

The annual incentives and penalties are reflected in customer rates on a two-year lag from the time they are earned and/or assessed. Based on applicable GAAP, incentive revenues and penalties are recorded in revenues when they are billed to customers. The following table shows the amount of incentive revenues (in total), primarily from IIS, BMCS and TTC that WPD has received and is projected to receive on a calendar year basis:
  Incentive Received Calendar Year Ended Incentive
Calendar Year Ended Incentive Earned (in millions) Included in Revenue
2014 £83
 2016
2015 79
 2017
2016 76
 2018
2017 (a) 65-80
 2019
2018 (a) 70-85
 2020
(a)Reflects projected incentive revenues.

(12) Correction Factor (K-factor) - During the price control period, WPD sets its tariffs to recover allowed revenue. However, in any fiscal period, WPD's revenue could be negatively affected if its tariffs and the volume delivered do not fully recover the allowed revenue for a particular period. Conversely, WPD could over-recover revenue. Over- and under-recoveries are subtracted from or added to allowed revenue in future years, known as the "Correction Factor" or "K-factor." Over and under-recovered amounts during RIIO-ED1 will be refunded/recovered two regulatory years later. The K-factors created in the 2016/17 and 2015/16 regulatory years were not significant.

Historically, tariffs have been set a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the regulatory year (April 1). In February 2015, Ofgem determined that, beginning with the 2017/18 regulatory year, tariffs would be established a minimum of fifteen months in advance. Therefore, in December 2015, WPD was required to establish tariffs for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 regulatory years. This change will potentially increase volatility in future revenue forecasts due to the need to forecast components of allowed revenue including MOD, TRU, K-factor and incentive revenues.




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(13)Other Allowed Revenue -Other Allowed Revenue primarily consists of pass through true-ups and £5 per residential customer reduction. For a discussion on property tax true-ups, see recovery of pass through costs in "(6) Other revenue included in base revenue" above.

In the 2016/17 regulatory year, WPD recovered a £5 per residential network customer reduction given through reduced tariffs in 2014/15. As a result, revenues were positively affected in calendar years 2017 and 2016 by £13 million and £25 million.

(14) GAAP Operating Revenue - Operating revenue under GAAP primarily consists of allowed revenue that has been collected in the calendar year converted to U.S. dollars. It also includes miscellaneous revenue primarily from engineering recharge work and ancillary activity revenue. Engineering recharge is work performed for a third party by WPD which is not for general network maintenance or to increase reliability. Examples are diversions and running new lines and equipment for a new housing complex. Ancillary activity revenue includes revenue primarily from WPD’s Telecoms and Property companies. For additional information on ancillary activity revenue, see footnote c in "Item 7. Combined Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operation - Reconciliation of Margins." The amounts of miscellaneous revenue for 2017 and 2016 were £90 million and £84 million, however, the margin or profit on these activities was not significant.

(15) Currency Hedging - Earnings generated by PPL's U.K. subsidiaries are subject to foreign currency translation risk. Due to the significant earnings contributed from WPD, PPL enters into foreign currency contracts to economically hedge the value of the GBP versus the U.S. dollar. These hedges do not receive hedge accounting treatment under GAAP. See "Overview- Financial and Operational Developments - U.K. Membership in European Union" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a discussion of U.K. earnings hedging activity.

GAAP Accounting implications:

As the regulatory model in the U.K. is incentive based rather than a cost recovery model, WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, the accounting treatment for the accelerated recovery of depreciation, pension deficit funding, cost of debt recovery, income tax recovery and the adjustments to base revenue and/or allowed revenue is evaluated primarily based on revenue recognition guidance.

See "Revenue Recognition" in Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

See "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks related to our U.K. Regulated Segment" for additional information on the risks associated with the U.K. Regulated Segment.

Kentucky Regulated Segment(PPL)

Consists of the operations of LKE, which owns and operatesLG&E's regulated public utilities engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and distribution and sale of natural gas, representing primarily the activities of LG&E and KU. In addition, certain acquisition-related financing costs are allocated to the Kentucky Regulated segment.  gas.


(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
 
LG&E and KU direct subsidiaries of LKE, are engaged in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in Kentucky and, in KU's case, Virginia and Tennessee.also Virginia. LG&E also engages in the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky. LG&E provides electric service to approximately 411,000436,000 customers in Louisville and adjacent areas in Kentucky, covering approximately 700 square miles in nine counties and provides natural gas service to approximately 326,000335,000 customers in its electric service area and eight additional counties in Kentucky. KU provides electric service to approximately 525,000545,000 customers in 77 counties in central, southeastern and western Kentucky and approximately 28,000 customers in five counties in southwestern Virginia, and three customers in Tennessee, covering


4

approximately 4,800 non-contiguous square miles. KU also sells wholesale electricity to 10two municipalities in Kentucky under load following contracts.


11


Details of operating revenues, in millions, by customer class for the years ended December 31 are shown below. 
 2017 2016 2015
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
LKE           
Commercial$854
 27
 $834
 27
 $816
 26
Industrial603
 19
 601
 19
 628
 20
Residential1,259
 40
 1,261
 40
 1,245
 40
Other (a)280
 9
 288
 9
 267
 9
Wholesale - municipal112
 4
 116
 4
 114
 4
Wholesale - other (b)48
 1
 41
 1
 45
 1
Total$3,156
 100
 $3,141
 100
 $3,115
 100

(a)Primarily includes revenues from street lighting and other public authorities.
(b)Includes wholesale power and transmission revenues.
 2017 2016 2015
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
LG&E           
Commercial$453
 31
 $442
 31
 $436
 30
Industrial187
 13
 185
 13
 199
 14
Residential637
 44
 627
 44
 633
 44
Other (a)123
 8
 135
 9
 117
 8
Wholesale - other (b)53
 4
 41
 3
 59
 4
Total$1,453
 100
 $1,430
 100
 $1,444
 100

(a)Primarily includes revenues from street lighting and other public authorities.
(b)Includes wholesale power and transmission revenues. Also includes intercompany power sales and transmission revenues, which are eliminated upon consolidation at LKE.
 2017 2016 2015
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
 Revenue 
% of
Revenue
KU           
Commercial$401
 23
 $392
 22
 $380
 22
Industrial416
 24
 416
 24
 429
 25
Residential622
 36
 634
 36
 612
 35
Other (a)157
 9
 153
 9
 150
 9
Wholesale - municipal112
 6
 116
 7
 114
 7
Wholesale - other (b)36
 2
 38
 2
 43
 2
Total$1,744
 100
 $1,749
 100
 $1,728
 100
(a)Primarily includes revenues from street lighting and other public authorities.
(b)Includes wholesale power and transmission revenues. Also includes intercompany power sales and transmission revenues, which are eliminated upon consolidation at LKE.


Franchises and Licenses
 
LG&E and KU provide electricity delivery service, and LG&E provides natural gas distribution service, in their respective service territories pursuant to certain franchises, licenses, statutory service areas, easements and other rights or permissions granted by state legislatures, cities or municipalities or other entities. 
 
Competition


There are currently no other electric public utilities operating within the electric service areas of LKE.LG&E and KU. From time to time, bills are introduced into the Kentucky General Assembly which seek to authorize, promote or mandate increased distributed generation, customer choice or other developments. Neither the Kentucky General Assembly nor the KPSC has adopted or approved a plan or timetable for retail electric industry competition in Kentucky. The nature or timing of legislative or regulatory actions, if any, regarding industry restructuring and their impact on LKE,LG&E and KU, which may be significant, cannot currently


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be predicted. Virginia, formerly a deregulated jurisdiction, has enacted legislation that implemented a hybrid model of cost-based regulation. KU's operations in Virginia have been and remain regulated.
 
Alternative energy sources such as electricity, oil, propane and other fuels indirectly impact LG&E's natural gas revenues. Marketers may also compete to sell natural gas to certain large end-users. LG&E's natural gas tariffs include gas price pass-through mechanisms relating to its sale of natural gas as a commodity; therefore,commodity. Therefore, customer natural gas purchases from alternative suppliers do not generally impact LG&E's profitability. Some large industrial and commercial customers, however, may physically bypass LG&E's facilities and seek delivery service directly from interstate pipelines or other natural gas distribution systems.


Power Supply
 
At December 31, 2017, LKE2023, LG&E owned controlled or had a minority ownership interest in generating capacity of 8,0172,760 MW and KU owned generating capacity of which 2,920 MW related to LG&E and 5,097 MW related to KU, in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.4,775 MW. See "Item 2. Properties - Kentucky Regulated Segment" for a complete list of LKE's generating facilities.
 
The system capacity of LKE'sLG&E's and KU's owned or controlled generation is based upon a number ofseveral factors, including the operating experience and physical condition of the units, and may be revised periodically to reflect changes in circumstances.
 
During 2017, LKE's2023, LG&E's and KU's power plants generated the following amounts of electricity.electricity:
GWh
Fuel SourceLG&EKU
Coal10,509 13,219 
Gas1,241 4,120 
Hydro272 44 
Solar12 
Total (a)12,030 17,395 
 GWh
Fuel SourceLKE LG&E KU
Coal (a)28,519
 12,161
 16,358
Gas4,625
 1,105
 3,520
Hydro337
 278
 59
Solar18
 7
 11
Total (b)33,499
 13,551
 19,948


(a)This generation represents a decrease for LG&E of 4% and a decrease for KU of 8% from 2022 output.
(a)Includes 794 GWh of power generated by and purchased from OVEC for LKE, 549 GWh for LG&E and 245 GWh for KU.
(b)
This generation represents a 3.7% decrease for LKE, a 0.3% increase for LG&E and a 6.3% decrease for KU from 2016 output.


The majority of LG&E's and KU's generated electricity was used to supply their retail and KU's municipal customer base.bases.
 
LG&E and KU jointly dispatch their generation units with the lowest cost generation used to serve their retail and municipal customers. When LG&E has excess generation capacity after serving its own retail customers and its generation cost is lower than that of KU, KU purchases electricity from LG&E and vice versa.
 
As a result ofDue to environmental requirements and energy efficiency measures, KU anticipates retiring two older coal-fired units at the E.W. Brown plant in 2019 with a combined summer rating capacityas of 272 MW.

In 2016,December 31, 2023, LG&E and KU completed construction activities and placed into commercial operation a 10have retired approximately 1,200 MW solar generating facility at the E.W. Brown generating site. Additionally, of coal-fired generation plants since 2010.

LG&E and KU received approval from the KPSC to develop a 4 MW solar shareSolar Share facility to service a solar shareSolar Share program. The solar shareSolar Share program is an optional,a voluntary program that allows customers to subscribe capacity in the solar shareSolar Share facility. Construction is expected to begin,commences, in 500-kilowatt phases, when subscription is complete. As Construction of five 500-kilowatt phases was completed as


5

of December 31, 2017,2022. LG&E and KU have not yet constructed the first solar share facility and are actively marketingcontinue to market the program and continueare accepting subscriptions for the sixth 500-kilowatt phase.

On January 23, 2020, LG&E and KU applied to receive interest from customers.

In 2015, KU retired two coal-fired units,the KPSC for approval of arrangements relating to the purchase of 100 MW of solar power in connection with a combined capacity of 161 MW, at the Green River plant. Additionally,Tariff option established in the 2018 Kentucky base rate cases. Pursuant to the agreements, LG&E retiredand KU would purchase the initial 20 years of output of a proposed third-party solar generation facility and resell the bulk of the power as renewable energy to two large industrial customers and use the remaining power for other customers. The generation facility is currently expected to be operational in early 2025. In 2020, the KPSC approved LG&E’s and KU’s applications. PPL, LG&E and KU do not anticipate that these arrangements will have a significant impact on their results of operations or financial condition.

On October 6, 2021, LG&E and KU entered into an agreement to purchase the initial 20 years of output of a proposed 125 MW third-party solar generation facility in connection with the Green Tariff option established in the 2018 Kentucky base rate cases. Pursuant to the agreements, LG&E and KU would purchase output of the facility and resell power as renewable energy to certain large customers. The generation facility is currently expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026. PPL, LG&E and KU do not anticipate that this agreement will have a significant impact on their results of operations or financial condition.

On December 15, 2022, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC for a CPCN for the construction and purchase of various generating facilities in conjunction with the retirement of four existing coal-fired generation units and three small gas-fired units. On March 24, 2023, Kentucky Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) went into effect, which requires KPSC approval of the retirement of fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in the state. On May 10, 2023, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC seeking approval of the retirement of seven fossil fuel-fired generating units as required by SB 4. On May 16, 2023, the KPSC entered an Order consolidating the SB 4 filing proceeding into the CPCN case.

On November 6, 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving LG&E’s and KU’s requests (i) to construct a 640 MW net summer rating NGCC combustion turbine at LG&E's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County, Kentucky, (ii) to construct a 120 MWac solar photovoltaic electric generating facility in Mercer County, Kentucky, (iii) to acquire a 120 MWac solar facility to be built by a third-party solar developer in Marion County, Kentucky and (iv) to construct a 125 MW, 4-hour battery energy storage system facility at KU's E.W. Brown Generating Station. The KPSC denied the request to construct a 621 MW net summer rating NGCC combustion turbine at KU's E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County, Kentucky at this time, based on the finding that the construction of this unit should be deferred with the construction date beginning on a date that provides for an in-service date in 2030. The order also authorized LG&E's and KU's entry into the four solar PPAs, subject to certain conditions, but deferred for future proceedings specific decisions on cost recovery treatment or mechanisms. Further, the order approved the new, adjusted or expanded energy efficiency programs contained in the requested 2024-2030 DSM plan.

The KPSC order included approval of the requested retirements of two existing coal-fired generation units at LG&E's Mill Creek Unit 1 (300 MW) and 2 (297 MW) in 2024 and 2027, subject to certain conditions, and three small gas-fired units. The order denied approval of the retirement of KU's E.W. Brown 3 Unit (412 MW) and Ghent Unit 2 (486 MW) in 2028 at this time, citing the need for additional clarity regarding environmental compliance regulations.

The new NGCC facility will be jointly owned by LG&E (31%) and KU (69%) and the solar units will be jointly owned by LG&E (37%) and KU (63%), the battery storage unit will be owned by LG&E, and the proposed PPA transactions and DSM programs will be entered into or conducted jointly by LG&E and KU, consistent with a combined capacity of 563 MW, atLG&E and KU's shared dispatch, cost allocation, tariff or other frameworks.

See Note 7 to the Cane Run plant.Financial Statements for additional information.


Fuel Supply
 
Coal and natural gas will continueare expected to be the predominant fuelfuels used by LG&E and KU for generation for the foreseeable future. Natural gas used for generation is primarily purchased using contractual arrangements separate from LG&E's natural gas distribution operations. Natural gas and oil will continue to beare also used for intermediate and peaking capacity and flame stabilization in coal-fired boilers.
 


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Fuel inventory is maintained at levels estimated to be necessary to avoid operational disruptions at coal-fired generating units. Reliability of coal deliveries can be affected from time to time by a number ofseveral factors including fluctuations in demand, coal mine production issues, high or low river level events, lock outages and other supplier or transporter operating or financial difficulties.
 


6

LG&E and KU have entered into coal supply agreements with various suppliers for coal deliveries through 20232028 and augment their coal supply agreements with spot market purchases, as needed.
 
For their existing units, LG&E and KU expect, for the foreseeable future, to purchase most of their coal from western Kentucky, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, northern West Virginia and southern Illinois.western Pennsylvania. LG&E and KU continue to purchase certain quantities of ultra-low sulfur content coal from Wyoming for blending at Trimble County Unit 2. Coal is delivered to the generating plants primarily by barge and rail.
 
To enhance the reliability of natural gas supply, LG&E and KU have secured firm long-term pipeline transport capacity services with contracts of various durations from 2019 to 2024through 2056 on the interstate pipeline serving Cane Run Unit 7.7, six simple cycle combustion turbines at the Trimble County site, and the future Mill Creek Unit 5. This pipeline also serves the six simple cycle combustion turbine units located at the Trimble County site as well as four othertwo simple cycle units at the Cane Run and Paddy's Run sites. LG&E has also secured long-term firm pipeline transport capacity on an interstate pipeline for the summer months through October 2018 to serve an additional simple cycle gas turbine operated under a tolling agreement that ends April 30, 2019.site. For the seven simple cycle combustion turbines at the E.W. Brown facility, no firm long-term pipeline transport capacity has been purchased due to the facility being interconnectedfacility's connection to two interstate pipelines and some of the units having dual fuel capability.
 
LG&E and KU have firm contracts for a portion of the natural gas fuel for Cane Run Unit 7 for delivery in future months.through 2026. The bulk of the natural gas fuel remainsis expected to be purchased on the spot market.


(PPL LKE and LG&E)


Natural Gas Distribution Supply

FiveFour underground natural gas storage fields in service, with a current working natural gas capacity of approximately 15 billion cubic feet (Bcf),11 Bcf, are used in providingto provide natural gas service to LG&E's firm sales customers. By using natural gas storage facilities, LG&E avoids the costs typically associated with more expensive pipeline transportation capacity to serve peak winter heating loads. Natural gas is stored during the summer season for withdrawal during the following winter heating season. Without this storage capacity, LG&E would be requiredneed to purchase additional natural gas and pipeline transportation services during winter months when customer demand increases, and the prices forcost of natural gas supply and pipeline transportation services can beare expected to be at their highest.higher. At December 31, 2017,2023, LG&E had 129 Bcf of natural gas stored underground with a carrying value of $43$34 million. LG&E will continue work in 2024 on a multi-year project to retire a fifth underground natural gas storage field, which is no longer in service, and plans to complete the project by no later than 2025. This field had a working natural gas capacity of 4 Bcf.


LG&E has a portfolio of supply arrangements of varying durations and terms that provide competitively priced natural gas designed to meet its firm sales obligations. These natural gas supply arrangements include pricing provisions that are market-responsive. In tandem with pipeline transportation services, these natural gas supplies provide the reliability and flexibility necessary to serve LG&E's natural gas customers.
 
LG&E purchases natural gas supply transportation services from two pipelines. LG&E has a set of contracts with one pipeline that are subject to termination by LG&E between 20202025 and 2023.2028. Total winter season capacity under these contracts is 184,900 MMBtu/day and summer season capacity is 60,000 MMBtu/day. WithLG&E has two additional contracts with this same pipeline, LG&E also has anotherpipeline. One contract is for pipeline capacity through 2026 in the amount offor 60,000 MMBtu/day during both the winter and summer seasons. The other contract is for pipeline capacity through 2028 for 30,000 MMBtu/day during the winter season. LG&E has a single contract with a second pipeline with a total capacity of 20,000 MMBtu/day during both the winter and summer seasons that expires in 2023.2030.
 
LG&E expects to purchase natural gas supplies for its gas distribution operations from onshore producing regions in South Texas, East Texas, North Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as gas originating in the Marcellus and Utica production areas.
 
(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)


Transmission


LG&E and KU contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority to act as their transmission reliability coordinator and contract with TranServ International, Inc. to act as their independent transmission organization.
 


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Rates
 
LG&E is subject to the jurisdiction of the KPSC and the FERC, and KU is subject to the jurisdiction of the KPSC, the FERC and the VSCC. LG&E and KU operate under a FERC-approved open access transmission tariff.
 


7

LG&E's and KU's Kentucky base rates are calculated based on a return on capitalization (common equity, long-term debt and short-term debt) including adjustments for certain net investments and costs recovered separately through other means. As such, LG&E and KU generally earn a return on regulatory assets in Kentucky.


KU's Virginia base rates are calculated based on a return on rate base (net utility plant plus working capital less accumulated deferred income taxes and miscellaneous deductions). As all regulatory assets and liabilities, except for regulatory assets and liabilities related to the levelized fuel factor, accumulated deferred income taxes, pension and postretirement benefits, and AROs related to certain CCR impoundments, are excluded from the return on rate base utilized in the calculation of Virginia base rates, no return is earned on the related assets.
 
KU's rates to 10two municipal customers for wholesale power requirements are calculated based on annual updates to a formula rate that utilizes a return on rate base (net utility plant plus working capital less accumulated deferred income taxes and miscellaneous deductions). As all regulatory assets and liabilities, except regulatory assets recorded for AROs related to CCR impoundments,accumulated deferred income taxes, are excluded from the return on rate base utilized in the development of municipal rates, no return is earned on the related assets. In April 2014, nine municipalities submitted notices of termination, under the notice period provisions, to cease taking power under the wholesale requirements contracts. Such terminations are to be effective in 2019, except in the case of one municipality that terminated service in 2017.

Rate Case Proceedings

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In November 2016, LG&E and KU filed requests with the KPSC for increases in annual base electricity and gas rates. LG&E's and KU's applications included requests for CPCNs for implementing an Advanced Metering System program and a Distribution Automation program.

In April and May 2017, LG&E and KU, along with all intervening parties to the proceeding, filed with the KPSC, stipulation and recommendation agreements (stipulations) resolving all issues with the parties. Among other things, the proposed stipulations provided for increases in annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E base electricity rates of $59 million, LG&E base gas rates of $8 million and KU base electricity rates of $55 million, reflecting a return on equity of 9.75%, the withdrawal of LG&E's and KU's request for a CPCN for the Advanced Metering System and other changes to the revenue requirements, which dealt primarily with the timing of cost recovery, including depreciation rates.

In June 2017, the KPSC issued orders approving, with certain modifications, the proposed stipulations filed in April and May 2017. The orders modified the stipulations to provide for increases in annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E base electricity rates of $57 million, LG&E base gas rates of $7 million, KU base electricity rates of $52 million and incorporated an authorized return on equity of 9.7%. Consistent with the stipulations, the orders approved LG&E's and KU's request for implementing a Distribution Automation program and their withdrawal of a request for a CPCN for the Advanced Metering System program. The orders also approved new depreciation rates for LG&E and KU that resulted in higher depreciation of approximately $15 million ($4 million for LG&E and $11 million for KU) in 2017, exclusive of net additions to PP&E. The orders resulted in base electricity and gas rate increases of 5.2% and 2.1% at LG&E and a base electricity rate increase of 3.2% at KU. The new base rates and all elements of the orders became effective July 1, 2017. On June 23, 2017, the KPSC issued orders establishing an authorized return on equity of 9.7% for all of LG&E's and KU's existing approved ECR plans and projects, replacing the prior authorized return on equity levels of 9.8% for CCR projects and 10% for all other ECR approved projects, effective with bills issued in August 2017. The annual impact of the new authorized return for ECR projects is not expected to be significant.

(LKE and KU)

On September 29, 2017, KU filed a request seeking approval from the VSCC to increase annual Virginia base electricity revenue by $7 million, representing an increase of 10.4%. KU's request is based on an authorized 10.42% return on equity. Subject to regulatory review and approval, new rates would become effective July 1, 2018.



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(PPL, LKE and KU)

In October 2016, KU filed a request with the FERC to modify its formula rates to provide for the recovery of CCR impoundment closure costs from its departing municipal customers. In December 2016, the FERC accepted the revised rate schedules providing recovery of the costs effective December 31, 2016, subject to refund, and established limited hearing and settlement judge procedures relating to determining the applicable amortization period. In March 2017, the parties reached a settlement in principle regarding a suitable amortization period. In June 2017, a FERC judge issued an order implementing the settlement's rates on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2017. In August 2017, the FERC issued a final order approving the settlement.

TCJA Impact on LG&E and KU Rates

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

On December 21, 2017, Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. submitted a complaint with the KPSC against LG&E and KU, as well as other utility companies in Kentucky, alleging that their respective rates would no longer be fair, just and reasonable following the enactment of the TCJA reducing the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The complaint requested the KPSC to issue an order requiring LG&E and KU to begin deferring, as of January 1, 2018, the revenue requirement effect of all income tax expense savings resulting from the federal corporate income tax reduction, including the amortization of excess deferred income taxes by recording those savings in a regulatory liability account and establishing a process by which the federal corporate income tax savings will be passed back to customers.

On December 27, 2017, as a result of the complaint, the KPSC ordered LG&E and KU to satisfy or address the complaint and commence recording regulatory liabilities to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate to 21% and the associated savings in excess deferred taxes on an interim basis until utility rates are adjusted to reflect the federal tax savings.

On January 8, 2018, LG&E and KU responded to the complaint, denying certain claims in the complaint but concurring that the TCJA will result in savings for their customers. LG&E and KU have stated in their responses that the companies have recorded regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate and the associated savings in excess deferred taxes and will make changes to their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms to begin providing the applicable savings to customers. LG&E and KU also offered to establish a new bill credit mechanism effective with the April 2018 billing cycle to begin distributing the tax savings associated with base rates to customers.

On January 29, 2018, LG&E and KU reached a settlement agreement to commence returning savings related to the TCJA to their customers. The savings will be distributed through their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms beginning in March 2018 and through a new bill credit mechanism from April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019. The estimated impact of the rate reduction represents approximately $91 million in KU electricity revenues, $69 million in LG&E electricity revenues and $17 million in LG&E gas revenues for the period January 2018 through April 2019. Ongoing tax savings are expected to also be addressed in LG&E's and KU's next Kentucky base rate case. LG&E and KU have indicated their intent to file an application for base rate changes during 2018 to be effective during spring 2019. The settlement agreement is subject to review and approval by the KPSC. An order in the proceeding may occur during the first quarter of 2018.

Additionally, on January 8, 2018, the VSCC ordered KU, as well as other utilities in Virginia, to accrue regulatory liabilities reflecting the Virginia jurisdictional revenue requirement impacts of the reduced federal corporate tax rate.

The FERC has not issued any guidance on the effect on rates of the TCJA. 

LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.


See "Financial and Operational Developments" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 67 to the Financial Statements for additional information on cost recoverycurrent rate proceedings and rate mechanisms.




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Pennsylvania Regulated Segment(PPL)


ConsistsThe Pennsylvania Regulated segment consists of PPL Electric, a regulated public utility engaged in the distribution and transmission of electricity.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric delivers electricity to approximately 1.41.5 million customers in a 10,000-square mile territory in 29 counties ofwithin eastern and central Pennsylvania. PPL Electric also provides electricity supply to retail customers in this areaterritory as a PLR under the Customer Choice Act.
Details of revenues, in millions, by customer class for the years ended December 31 are shown below. 
 2017 2016 2015
 Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue Revenue % of Revenue
Distribution           
Residential$1,351
 62
 $1,327
 61
 $1,338
 63
Industrial44
 2
 42
 2
 58
 3
Commercial349
 16
 338
 16
 377
 18
Other (a)(36) (2) (4) 
 (44) (2)
Transmission487
 22
 453
 21
 395
 18
Total$2,195
 100
 $2,156
 100
 $2,124
 100
(a)Includes regulatory over- or under-recovery reconciliation mechanisms, pole attachment revenues and street lighting, offset by contra revenue associated with the network integration transmission service expense.


Franchise, Licenses and Other Regulations


PPL Electric is authorized to provide electric public utility service throughout its service area as a result of grants by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in corporate charters to PPL Electric and companies whichthat it has succeeded, and as a result of certification by the PUC.PAPUC. PPL Electric is granted the right to enter the streets and highways by the Commonwealth subject to certain conditions. In general, such conditions have been met by ordinance, resolution, permit, acquiescence or other action by an appropriate local political subdivision or agency of the Commonwealth.


Competition


Pursuant to authorizations from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PUC,PAPUC, PPL Electric operates a regulated distribution monopoly in its service area. Accordingly, PPL Electric does not face competition in its electricity distribution business. Pursuant to the Customer Choice Act, generation of electricity is a competitive business in Pennsylvania, and PPL Electric does not own or operate any generation facilities.

The PPL Electric transmission business, operating under a FERC-approved PJM Open Access Transmission Tariff, is subject to competition pursuant to FERC Order 1000 from entities that are not incumbent PJM transmission owners with respect to the construction and ownership of transmission facilities within PJM.


Rates and Regulation

Transmission

PPL Electric's transmission facilities are within PJM, which operates the electricity transmission network and electric energy market in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the U.S.

PJM serves as a FERC-approved Regional Transmission Operator (RTO) to promote greater participation and competition in the region it serves. In addition to operating the electricity transmission network, PJM also administers regional markets for energy, capacity and ancillary services. A primary objective of any RTO is to separate the operation of, and access to, the


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transmission grid from market participants that buy or sell electricity in the same markets. Electric utilities continue to own the transmission assets and to receive their share of transmission revenues, but the RTO directs the control and operation of the transmission facilities. Certain types of transmission investmentinvestments are subject to competitive processes outlined in the PJM tariff.




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As a transmission owner, PPL Electric's transmission revenues are recovered through PJM and billed in accordance with a FERC-approved Open Access Transmission Tariff that allows recovery of incurred transmission costs, a return on transmission-related plant and an automatic annual update based onutilizes a formula-based rate recovery mechanism. Under this formula, beginning in 2023, rates are put into effect in Juneon January 1st of each year based upon prior year actual expenditures and current yearfrom the most recently filed FERC Form 1, forecasted capital additions.additions, and other data based on PPL Electric’s books and records. 2023 is considered a transitional period as the calendar year rate approved by FERC became effective April 1, 2023. Rates are then adjustedcompared during the following year to reflect actualthe estimated annual expenses and capital additions as reportedthat will be filed in PPL Electric’s annual FERC Form 1, filed under the FERC’sFERC's Uniform System of Accounts. AnyUnder the mechanism, any difference between the revenue requirement in effect for the prior year and actual expenditures incurred for that year is recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. Any change inliability, and the priorregulatory asset or regulatory liability is to be recovered from or returned to customers starting one year PPL zonal peak load billing factor applied on January 1stafter the conclusion of each year, will result in an increase or decrease in revenue until the next annual rate update goes into effect on June 1st of that same year.


As a PLR, PPL Electric also purchases transmission services from PJM. See "PLR" below.

See Note 67 to the Financial Statements for additional information on rate mechanisms.mechanisms and regulatory matters.

Distribution

PPL Electric's distribution base rates are calculated based on a return on rate base (net utility plant plus a cash working capital allowance less plant-related deferred taxes and other miscellaneous additions and deductions). All regulatory assets and liabilities, except accumulated deferred income taxes, are excluded from the return on rate base; therefore,base. Therefore, no return is earned on the related assets unless specifically provided for by the PUC.PAPUC. Currently, PPL Electric's Smart Meter rider and the DSIC are the only riders authorized to earn a return. Certain operating expenses are also included in PPL Electric's distribution base rates including wages and benefits, other operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation and taxes.

Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) requires electricityelectric distribution companies and electricity generation suppliers to obtain from alternative energy resources a portion of the electricity sold to retail customers in Pennsylvania. Under the default service procurement plans approved by the PUC,PAPUC, PPL Electric purchases all of the alternative energy generation supply it needs to comply with the AEPS.

Act 129 created an energy efficiency and conservation program, a demand side management program, smart metering technology requirements, new PLR generation supply procurement rules, remedies for market misconduct and changes to the existing AEPS.

Act 11 authorizes the PUCPAPUC to approve two specific ratemaking mechanisms: the use of a fully projected future test year in base rate proceedings and, subject to certain conditions, the use of a DSIC. Such alternative ratemaking procedures and mechanisms provide opportunity for accelerated cost-recovery and, therefore, are important to PPL Electric as it is in a period of significant capital investment to maintain and enhance the reliability of its delivery system, including the replacement of aging assets. PPL Electric has utilized the fully projected future test year mechanism in its 2015 base rate proceeding. PPL has had the ability to utilize the DSIC recovery mechanism since July 2013.

See "Regulatory Matters - Pennsylvania Activities" in Note 67 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding Act 129on rate mechanisms and other legislative and regulatory impacts.matters.

PLR

The Customer Choice Act requires Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs),electric distribution companies, including PPL Electric, or an alternative supplier approved by the PUCPAPUC, to act as a PLR of electricity supply for customers who do not choose to shop for supply with a competitive supplier and provides that electricity supply costs will be recovered by the PLR pursuant to PUCPAPUC regulations. In 2017,2023, the following average percentages of PPL Electric's customer load were provided by competitive suppliers: 46%42% of residential, 85%80% of small commercial and industrial and 98%97% of large commercial and industrial customers. The PUC continues to favor expanding the competitive market for electricity. See "Regulatory Matters - Pennsylvania Activities - Act 129" in Note 6 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
 
PPL Electric's cost ofElectric’s electricity generation iscosts are established based onupon the results of a competitive solicitation process. The PUCIn December 2020, the PAPUC approved PPL Electric'sElectric’s default service plan for the period June 20151, 2021 through May 2017,31, 2025, which included 4includes a total of eight solicitations for electricity supply held semiannually in April and October. The PUC approved PPL Electric's default serviceThrough December 31, 2023, six auctions of the plan for the period June 2017 through May 2021, whichwere completed. This plan also includes a total of 8eight solicitations for electricity supplyalternative energy credits held semiannually in AprilJanuary and October. July. Through January 2024, six alternative energy credit solicitations have been completed.


9


Pursuant to both the current and future plans, PPL Electric contracts for all of the electricity supply for residential, customers and commercial and industrial customers who elect to take thatdefault service from PPL Electric. These solicitations includecontain a mix of products including 5-year block energy contracts for residential customers, 6- and 12-month fixed-price load-following contracts for residential and small commercial and industrial customers, and 12-


18


month12-month real-time pricing contracts for large commercial and industrial customers, toand alternative energy credit contracts for residential, commercial and industrial customers. These contracts fulfill PPL Electric's obligation to provide customer electricity supply as a PLR.

Numerous alternative suppliers have offered to provide generation supply in PPL Electric's service territory. Sincearea. As the cost of generation supply is a pass-through cost for PPL Electric, its financial results are not impacted if its customers purchase electricity supply from these alternative suppliers.


TCJA Impact on PPL Electric RatesRhode Island Regulated Segment (PPL)


The PUC issued a Secretarial Letter on February 12, 2018 regardingRhode Island Regulated segment consists primarily of the TCJA. The Commissionregulated electricity transmission and distribution operations and regulated distribution and sale of natural gas conducted by RIE.

RIE is requesting comments from interested parties addressing whetherengaged in the Commission should adjust current customer ratesregulated transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and regulated distribution and sale of natural gas in Rhode Island. RIE provides electric service to reflectapproximately 514,000 customers and natural gas service to approximately 278,000 customers. RIE's service area covers substantially all of Rhode Island.

Franchises and Licenses

RIE provides electricity delivery service and natural gas distribution service in its service territory pursuant to certain franchises, licenses, statutory service areas, easements and other rights or permissions granted by the reduced federal income tax expense and, if so, the appropriate negative surchargeRhode Island state legislature, cities or municipalities or other methodology that would permit immediate adjustmententities.

Competition

There are currently no other electric or gas public utilities operating within the service area of RIE.

Alternative energy sources such as electricity, oil, propane and other fuels indirectly impact RIE's natural gas revenues. Marketers may also compete to consumersell natural gas to certain large end-users. RIE's natural gas tariffs include gas price pass-through mechanisms relating to its sale of natural gas as a commodity. Therefore, customer natural gas purchases from alternative suppliers do not generally impact RIE's profitability. Some large industrial and commercial customers, however, may physically bypass RIE's facilities and seek delivery service directly from interstate pipelines or other natural gas distribution systems.

Rates and Regulation

In general, RIE operates subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC, the RIPUC and the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.

Distribution

RIE owns and maintains electric and natural gas distribution networks in Rhode Island. Distribution revenues are primarily from the sale of electricity, natural gas, and related services to retail customers. Distribution sales are regulated by the RIPUC, which is responsible for approving the rates and whetherother terms of services as part of the surchargerate making process. Natural gas and electric distribution revenues are derived from the regulated sale and distribution of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers within RIE’s service territory under the tariff rates. The tariff rates approved by the RIPUC are designed to recover the costs incurred by RIE for products and services provided, along with a return on investment.

RIE’s distribution base rates are calculated based on a return on rate base (net utility plant plus a cash working capital allowance less plant-related deferred taxes and other miscellaneous additions and deductions). All regulatory assets and liabilities, except accumulated deferred income taxes, are excluded from the return on rate base. Therefore, no return is earned on the related assets unless specifically provided for by the RIPUC. Currently, RIE's ISR and Renewable Energy Growth Program adjustment mechanisms are the only mechanisms authorized to earn a return. Certain operating expenses are also


10

included in RIE’s distribution base rates including wages and benefits, other operation and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and taxes.

Transmission

RIE owns an electric transmission system in Rhode Island. RIE’s transmission services are regulated by the FERC and coordinated with ISO – New England.

Deferral Mechanisms

RIE records revenues in accordance with accounting principles for rate-regulated operations for arrangements between RIE and the applicable regulator. These include various deferral mechanisms such as capital trackers, energy efficiency programs, and other programs that qualify as Alternative Revenue Programs (ARPs). ARPs enable RIE to adjust rates in the future, in response to past activities or completed events. RIE’s electric and gas distribution rates both have a revenue decoupling mechanism, which allows for annual adjustments to the RIE’s delivery rates, as a result of the reconciliation between allowed revenue and billed revenue. RIE also has other said methodology should provide that any refunds to customers due to reduced taxes be effective as of January 1, 2018. In addition, the Secretarial Letter requests certain Pennsylvania regulated utilities, including PPL Electric, to provide certain dataARPs related to the effectachievement of certain objectives, demand side management initiatives, and certain other rate making mechanisms. RIE recognizes ARPs with a corresponding offset to a regulatory asset or liability account when the regulatory specified events or conditions have been met, when the amounts are determinable, and are probable of recovery (or payment) through future rate adjustments.
Last Resort Service

RIE is required by the RIPUC and by statute to provide Last Resort Service. Last Resort Service is available to all customers who have not elected to receive their electric supply from a non-regulated power producer or any customer who, for any reason, has stopped receiving generation service from a non-regulated power producer.

The charge for Last Resort Service is the sum of the TCJA on PPL Electric’s income tax expenseapplicable Last Resort Service charges in addition to all appropriate Retail Delivery charges as stated in the applicable tariff. The monthly charge for Last Resort Service also includes the costs incurred by RIE to comply with the Renewable Energy Standard, established in Rhode Island General Laws Section 39-26-1 and rate basethe costs to comply with the RIPUC’s Rules Governing Energy Source Disclosure. The charge for Last Resort Service includes the administrative costs associated with the procurement of Last Resort Service, including whether anyan adjustment for uncollectible accounts as approved by the RIPUC.

Numerous alternative suppliers have offered to provide generation supply in RIE's service area. As the cost of the potential tax savingsgeneration supply is a pass-through cost for RIE, its financial results are not impacted if its customers purchase electricity supply from the reduced federal corporate tax rate can be used for purposes other than to reduce customer rates. PPL Electric’s responses are duethese alternative suppliers.

See Note 7 to the PUC not later than March 9, 2018.Financial Statements for additional information on rate mechanisms and regulatory matters.


Natural Gas Distribution Supply

To meet the projected annual gas supply requirements of approximately 37 Bcf, RIE has a portfolio of gas supply arrangements of varying contractual terms and durations to provide service to its customers. These natural gas supply arrangements include contracts with natural gas producers and marketers that reflect market price signals. RIE also has firm pipeline and underground storage capacity contracts to support the delivery of natural gas supplies to its customers. To manage the winter peak requirements for RIE customers, RIE contracts for liquified natural gas (LNG) service and owns and operates certain LNG storage facilities.

The FERCRIE gas supply portfolio includes contracts for firm transportation service with eleven interstate pipeline companies and natural gas storage operators. These contracts have various termination dates with certain contracts being subject to evergreen renewal provisions providing RIE with flexibility in managing its upstream resource portfolio.

RIE has not issued any guidance onpurchased and expects to continue to purchase natural gas supplies for its gas distribution operations from onshore producing regions accessed by its pipeline capacity portfolio in South Texas, East Texas, and Louisiana, as well as gas originating in the effect on ratesMarcellus and Utica production areas. RIE expects to purchase certain natural gas supplies that originate in Canada and from regional LNG import terminals.


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(PPL)

Corporate and Other
(PPL)


PPL Services provides PPL subsidiaries with administrative, management and support services. The costs of these services are charged directly to the respective recipients for the services provided or indirectly charged to applicable recipients based on an average of the recipients' relative invested capital, operation and maintenance expenses and number of employees or a ratio of overall direct and indirect costs.


PPL Capital Funding PPL's financing subsidiary, provides financing for the operations of PPL and certain subsidiaries. PPL's growth in rate-regulated businesses provides the organization with an enhanced corporate level financing alternative, through PPL Capital Funding, that enables PPL to cost effectively support targeted credit profiles across all of PPL's rated companies. As a result, PPL plans to utilizeutilizes PPL Capital Funding as a source of capital in future financings, in addition to continued direct financing by thecertain operating companies.
subsidiaries. Unlike those of PPL Services, PPL Capital Funding's costs are not generally charged to PPL subsidiaries. Costs are charged directly to PPL. However, PPL Capital Funding participated significantly

Beginning in 2023, the financing activity of LKE is included in Corporate and Other. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

(All Registrants)

The Registrants are subject to certain existing and developing federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations with respect to air and water quality, land use and other environmental matters, and may be subject to different and more stringent laws and regulations enacted in the financingfuture. The EPA and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over environmental matters have issued numerous environmental regulations relating to air, water and waste that directly affect the electric power industry. Due to these environmental issues, it may be necessary for the acquisitionsRegistrants to modify or cease certain operations or operation of LKEcertain facilities to comply with statutes, regulations and WPD Midlandsother requirements of regulatory bodies or courts. In addition, legal challenges to environmental permits or rules add uncertainty to estimating future costs of complying with such permits and certain associated financing costs were allocatedrules. The Biden administration is currently undertaking changes in a wide range of environmental programs.

See “Legal Matters” in Note 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental commitments and contingencies. See "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Forecasted Uses of Cash - Capital Expenditures" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for information on projected environmental capital expenditures for 2024 through 2026. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for information related to the impacts of CCRs on AROs.

LG&E and KU are entitled to recover, through the ECR mechanism, certain costs of complying with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and other federal, state and local environmental requirements applicable to coal combustion wastes and by-products from coal-fired generating facilities upon KPSC review. Costs not covered by the ECR mechanism for LG&E and KU and all such costs for PPL Electric and RIE are subject to rate recovery at the discretion of the companies' respective state regulatory authorities, or the FERC, if applicable. Because PPL Electric and RIE do not own any generating plants, they have less exposure to related environmental compliance costs. The Registrants can provide no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of future proceedings before regulatory authorities.

Air

(PPL, LG&E and KU)

NAAQS

Applicable regulations require each state to identify areas within its boundaries that fail to meet the NAAQS, (known as nonattainment areas), and develop a state implementation plan to achieve and maintain compliance. States that are found to contribute significantly to another state's nonattainment with ozone standards are required to establish "good neighbor" state implementation plans. In addition, for attainment of ozone and fine particulates standards, certain states, including Kentucky, Regulated and U.K. Regulated segments. The associated financing costs, as wellare subject to a regional EPA program known as the financing costs associated with prior issuances of certain other PPL Capital Funding securities, have been assigned to the appropriate segments for purposes of PPL management's assessment of segment performance. The financing costs associated primarily with PPL Capital Funding's securities issuances beginning in 2013, with certain exceptions, have not been directly assigned or allocated to any segment.Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).

Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply
In June 2014, PPL and PPL Energy Supply executed definitive agreements with affiliates of Riverstone to spin off PPL Energy Supply and immediately combine it with Riverstone's competitive power generation businesses to form a new, stand-alone, publicly traded company named Talen Energy. On April 29, 2015, PPL's Board of Directors declared the June 1, 2015 distribution to PPL's shareowners of record on May 20, 2015 of a newly formed entity, Holdco, which at closing owned all of the membership interests of PPL Energy Supply and all of the common stock of Talen Energy.
Immediately following the spinoff on June 1, 2015, Holdco merged with a special purpose subsidiary of Talen Energy, with Holdco continuing as the surviving company to the merger and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Talen Energy and the sole owner of PPL Energy Supply. Substantially contemporaneous with the spinoff and merger, RJS Power was contributed by its owners to become a subsidiary of Talen Energy. PPL's shareowners received approximately 0.1249 shares of Talen Energy common stock for each share of PPL common stock they owned on May 20, 2015. Following completion of these transactions, PPL shareowners owned 65% of Talen Energy and affiliates of Riverstone owned 35%. The spinoff had no effect on the




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The Clean Air Act has a significant impact on the operation of fossil fuel generation plants. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA periodically to establish and review NAAQS for six pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone (contributed to by nitrogen oxide emissions), particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. In December 2020, the EPA released final actions keeping the existing NAAQS standard for particulate matter and ozone without change, but the EPA subsequently announced reconsideration of those decisions in June 2021. On February 7, 2024, the EPA released a pre-publication revision to the particulate matter standard that lowers the primary standard for fine particulates. Based on the new standard, the EPA could potentially designate Jefferson County, Kentucky (Louisville) as being in nonattainment with the new particulate matter standard and require additional particulate matter reductions from sources including LG&E’s Mill Creek Station. The new particulate matter standard may also result in more stringent requirements for new generation located in nonattainment areas. PPL, LG&E, and KU are unable to predict future implementation actions or the outcome of future evaluations by the EPA and the states with respect to the NAAQS standards.
number
In January 2018, the EPA designated Jefferson County, Kentucky (Louisville) as being in nonattainment with the existing 2015 ozone standard. In 2020 and 2021, LG&E entered into agreements with the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District for temporary nitrogen oxide emission limits at LG&E's Mill Creek Station during those years to facilitate compliance with the ozone standard. In October 2022, Jefferson County was “bumped up” to the moderate nonattainment classification, but the Louisville Air Pollution Control District has applied to the EPA for Jefferson County to be redesignated as in attainment. If the EPA declines to issue such a redesignation, Jefferson County could be subject to additional requirements including requirements for installation of reasonably available control technology on coal-fired generating units.Compliance with such requirements may require installation of additional pollution controls or other compliance actions. PPL common shares ownedand LG&E are unable to determine the impact on operations until certain compliance determinations are made by the EPA and Kentucky.

In March 2021, the EPA released final revisions to the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) aimed at ensuring compliance with the 2008 ozone NAAQS and providing for reductions in ozone season nitrogen oxide emissions for 2021 and subsequent years. Additionally, the EPA reversed its previous approval of the Kentucky State Implementation Plan with respect to these requirements. In March 2023, the EPA Administrator released a final Federal Implementation Plan under the Good Neighbor provisions of the Clean Air Act providing for significant additional nitrogen oxide emission reductions for compliance with the revised 2015 ozone NAAQS. The reductions in Kentucky state-wide nitrogen oxide budgets were scheduled to commence in 2023, with the largest reductions planned for 2026, based on the installation time frame for certain selective catalytic reduction controls, subject to future specific allowance calculations. PPL, shareownersLG&E and KU are currently assessing the potential impact of the Good Neighbor Plan revisions on operations. The rules provide for reduced availability of nitrogen oxide allowances that have historically permitted operational flexibility for fossil units and could potentially result in constraints that may require implementation of additional emission controls or accelerate implementation of lower emission generation technologies. In response to judicial orders that stayed the EPA’s denial of certain state implementation plans, the EPA in July 2023 issued an interim stay of implementation of Good Neighbor Plan requirements for emission sources in several states including Kentucky. Legal challenges to CSAPR and related determinations remain pending, and the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on numerous stay applications filed by states and industry groups over the Good Neighbor Plan. In January 2023, the EPA released a proposed revision to increase the stringency of the current NAAQS for particulate matter. The EPA is continuing review of its previous determinations made in December 2020 to retain the existing NAAQS for ozone without change.

PPL, LG&E, and KU are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of pending litigation or future emission reductions that may be required by future federal rules or state implementation actions. Compliance with the NAAQS, CSAPR, Good Neighbor Plan, and related requirements may require installation of additional pollution controls or other compliance actions, inclusive of retirements, the costs of which PPL, LG&E and KU believe would be subject to rate recovery.

Proposed Modification of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

In 2012, the EPA issued the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule requiring reductions in mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from fossil fuel-fired power plants. LG&E and KU installed significant controls to achieve compliance with MATS and other rules. In April 2023, the EPA proposed to increase the stringency of MATS and further reduce emissions of certain hazardous air pollutants by reducing certain particulate matter standards by approximately two-thirds to reflect developments in control technologies. While the exact impact will depend on the provisions adopted in the final rule, PPL, LG&E, and KU do not expect significant operational changes or additional controls. PPL, LG&E, and KU will continue to monitor the ongoing rulemaking process.



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Proposed Greenhouse Gas Standards

On May 11, 2023, the EPA released proposed rules under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act to establish performance standards and emissions limits aimed at reducing GHG emissions from certain new, existing, and modified fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). The proposed standards would require phased implementation of carbon mitigation technologies including state-of-the-art efficiency requirements, carbon capture and sequestration, low GHG hydrogen co-firing, and natural gas co-firing. New natural gas EGUs would be immediately subject to the stricter efficiency standard. The EPA’s proposed new GHG reduction requirements, if adopted, could potentially require significant additional compliance measures including changes in current operations, installation of capital equipment, and early retirement of certain coal-fired generating units. PPL, LG&E, and KU are unable to predict the precise impact of new GHG reduction requirements until issuance of final rules and resolution of related legal and regulatory proceedings. While the impact of new GHG reduction requirements on operations and financial results of operations could potentially be substantial, the cost of complying with such requirements is expected to be subject to rate recovery. PPL, LG&E, and KU will continue to monitor the ongoing rulemaking process.

Climate Change (All Registrants)

The Biden administration continues to undertake wide-ranging efforts to address climate change. Recent government actions and policy developments, including the President’s announced goal of a carbon free electricity sector by 2035, could have far-reaching impacts on PPL’s business operations, products, and services. On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that provisions of the EPA's Clean Power Plan, premised on generation shifting from coal-fired plants to lower emitting natural gas-fired plants and renewables, exceeded the authority granted to the EPA under the Clean Air Act. The EPA has announced proposed new greenhouse gas rules discussed above. It is uncertain how the U.S. Supreme Court ruling may impact future EPA rulemaking. All of these developments are preliminary or ongoing in nature and the Registrants cannot predict the final outcome or ultimate impact on operations.

PPL has adopted a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which PPL expects will include continuing to retire coal-fired generation and investing in research and innovation that will help to achieve this goal, while maintaining reliable and affordable energy in our service territories. The net-zero goal relates to direct and indirect carbon emissions consistent with Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance and referenced by the EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership. Through 2021, PPL reduced carbon emissions nearly 60% from 2010 levels and is targeting a 70% reduction from 2010 levels by 2035 and an 80% reduction by 2040.

PPL is also aware of the various risks associated with climate change, including increased frequency and severity of severe weather. To address these risks, PPL continues to work to advance grid modernization and improve the Company's equipment to help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and improve reliability.

Water/Waste(PPL, LG&E and KU)

Clean Water Act

Regulations under the federal Clean Water Act dictate permitting and mitigation requirements for facilities and construction projects that impact "Waters of the United States". Many other requirements relate to power plant operations, including the treatment of pollutants in effluents prior to discharge, the temperature of effluent discharges and the location, design and construction of cooling water intake structures at generating facilities, and standards intended to protect aquatic organisms that become trapped at or pulled through cooling water intake structures at generating facilities. These requirements could impose significant costs for LG&E and KU, which are expected to be subject to rate recovery.

Clean Water Act Jurisdiction

Environmental groups and others have claimed that discharges to groundwater from leaking CCR impoundments at power plants are subject to Clean Water Act permitting. On April 12, 2019, the EPA released regulatory clarification finding that Clean Water Act jurisdiction does not cover such discharges to groundwater. On January 23, 2020, the EPA announced a final rule modifying the jurisdictional scope of the Clean Water Act. The announced rule revises the definition of the "Waters of the United States," including a revision to exclude groundwater from the definition. In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that Clean Water Act jurisdiction may apply to certain discharges to groundwater that result in the functional equivalent of a direct discharge to navigable waters. PPL, LG&E, and KU are unaware of any unpermitted releases from their facilities that are subject to Clean Water Act jurisdiction, but future regulatory developments and judicial rulings could potentially subject certain releases from CCR impoundments and landfills to additional permitting and remediation requirements, which could impose substantial costs. Any associated costs are expected to be subject to rate recovery. PPL, LG&E and KU are unable to predict the outcome or financial impact of future regulatory proceedings and litigation.


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Waters of the U.S.

PPL, LG&E, and KU are subject to permitting and mitigation requirements for certain construction activities that impact "Waters of the United States." On April 21, 2020, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a final rule revising the definition of "Waters of the United States" to exclude jurisdiction over certain surface waters. On August 30, 2021, a U.S. District Court in Arizona vacated and remanded the rule. On December 7, 2021, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed to repeal the rule and restore the definition of "Waters of the United States" that was in place prior to 2015. On January 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review of a case raising the issue of the appropriate scope of the definition of "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. On January 18, 2023, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a final revision to the rule broadening the definition of Waters of the United States and reverting to the pre-2015 regulatory framework. Although the broader definition incorporates additional water bodies, any resulting permitting, construction, and operational expenses are expected to be immaterial and subject to rate recovery.

On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion in Sackett v. EPA holding that the government’s jurisdiction to regulate wetlands under the Clean Water Act extends to wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are "waters of the United States." On September 8, 2023, the EPA issued a conforming rule that incorporated the holding of Sackett into federal definitions of waters of the United States; some states and industry groups have challenged the conforming rule as well. By limiting water bodies that fall within the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision could reduce the number of sharesprojects or the scope of project activities subject to federal permitting for wetlands. PPL, LG&E and KU are unable to predict the outcome of current or future litigation or regulatory proceedings, but do not expect a material impact on operations.

Superfund and Other Remediation(All Registrants)

From time to time, PPL's subsidiaries undertake testing, monitoring or remedial action in response to spills or other releases at various on-site and off-site locations, negotiate with the EPA and state and local agencies regarding actions necessary to comply with applicable requirements, negotiate with property owners and other third parties alleging impacts from PPL's operations and undertake similar actions necessary to resolve environmental matters that arise in the course of normal operations. Based on analyses to date, resolution of these environmental matters is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the operations of PPL, common stock outstanding. The transaction is intendedPPL Electric, LG&E and KU.

Future cleanup or remediation work at sites not yet identified may result in significant additional costs for the Registrants. Insurance policies maintained by LG&E and KU may be available to cover certain of the costs or other obligations related to these matters, but the amount of insurance coverage or reimbursement cannot be tax-free to PPL and its shareowners for U.S. federal income tax purposes.estimated or assured.
PPL has no continuing ownership interest in or control of Talen Energy and Talen Energy Supply (formerly PPL Energy Supply).

See “Legal Matters” in Note 813 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(All Registrants)

SEASONALITY

The demand for and market prices of electricity and natural gas are affected by weather. As a result, the Registrants' operating results in the future may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis, especially when unpredictable weather conditions make such fluctuations more pronounced. The pattern of this fluctuation may change depending on the type and location of the facilities owned. See "Environmental Matters" in Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding climate change.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

See "Financial Condition" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for this information.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS

See "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Forecasted Uses of Cash - Capital Expenditures" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for information concerning projected capital expenditure requirements for 20182024 through 2022.2026. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements"Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" for additional information concerning the potential impact on capital expenditures from environmental matters.


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS


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HUMAN CAPITAL

PPL, together with its subsidiaries, is committed to fostering an exceptional workplace for employees. PPL pledges to enable the success of its current and future workforce by cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, fostering professional development, encouraging employee engagement, and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Matters related to these priorities and corporate culture are overseen by PPL's senior management, which provides updates to the PPL Board of Directors (the Board). Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors also periodically reviews and assesses the Company's strategy for human capital management. PPL's investment in the success of its workforce is embodied in the following areas with dedicated leadership and Board oversight:

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) - Foster an inclusive, respectful and diverse workplace through a comprehensive DEI strategy and commitments. PPL created a chief diversity officer position in 2022 to lead the company's DEI efforts. Senior management reviews demographic metrics, DEI objectives and associated programs semi-annually. The RegistrantsBoard also receives periodic updates from senior management on PPL's DEI strategy and initiatives.
Employee engagement - Create a workplace that fosters an engaged, high-quality workforce. PPL's operating companies regularly conduct assessments related to employee engagement, safety and culture. Senior management reviews corporate culture with the Board at least annually.
Professional development - Invest in the current and future workforce through training and development, succession planning and creation of a pipeline for internal advancement. Senior management reviews succession planning with the Compensation Committee of the Board on an annual basis.
Comprehensive benefits - In addition to challenging careers and competitive salaries, PPL offers competitive benefits programs to attract and retain talent and support employees' well-being. PPL offers competitive vacation time, expanded leave for new parents, retirement programs, and internal and external development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement offerings for undergraduate and certain graduate degrees. Senior management conducts annual benchmarking of employee compensation and benefits.
Safety and Compliance - PPL is committed to maintaining an ethical and safe workplace culture. Additional steps to ensure Board oversight in these areas include:

Safety – PPL implements programs focused on health and safety, including emergency preparedness, vehicle safety and accident prevention. Employees receive safety training and are subjectencouraged to certain existingshare, implement, and developing federal, regional, statefollow best practices. Senior management receives monthly safety data updates to determine whether additional safety measures should be implemented. The Board reviews the company's safety programs and local laws and regulations with respectresults at least annually. The Board is also immediately engaged in the event of a fatality.
Compliance – The Corporate Compliance Committee, including senior executives, meets quarterly to air and water quality, land usediscuss metrics and other environmental matters. The EPA has issued numerous environmental regulations relating to air, water and waste that directly affect the electric power industry. See "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Forecasted Uses of Cash - Capital Expenditures" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for information on projected environmental capital expenditures for 2018 through 2022. Also, see "Environmental Matters" in Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information and Note 6 to the Financial Statements for informationmatters related to the recoverycompliance and ethics culture. Among the items discussed are statistics regarding Ethics Helpline reports and employee concerns. This information is also reviewed with the Audit Committee of environmental compliance costs.the Board quarterly.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONSPPL will continue to engage with employees and to assess these priorities as we work to best position individuals and the company for future success. PPL had a turnover rate of 9.08% for the year ended December 31, 2023.Looking forward, PPL will maintain our strong focus on workforce planning to address future talent needs.

At December 31, 2017,2023, PPL and its subsidiaries had the following full-time employees and employees represented by labor unions.unions:
Total Full-Time
Employees
Number of Union
Employees
Percentage of Total
Workforce
PPL6,629 2,450 37 %
PPL Electric1,438 960 67 %
LG&E927 592 64 %
KU759 111 15 %
 
Total Full-Time
Employees
 
Number of Union
Employees
 
Percentage of Total
Workforce
PPL 12,512
 6,113
 49%
PPL Electric1,755
 1,084
 62%
LKE3,470
 782
 23%
LG&E986
 660
 67%
KU910
 122
 13%

(PPL and KU)
PPL's domestic workforce has 2,001 employees, or 34%, that are members of labor unions.

WPD has 4,112 employees who are members of labor unions (or 62% of PPL's U.K. workforce). WPD recognizes four unions, the largest of which represents 42% of its union workforce. WPD's Electricity Business Agreement, which covers 4,047 union employees, may be amended by agreement between WPDIn August 2023, KU and the unionsIBEW local failed to reach agreement on an annual wage reopener under their existing labor agreement which expires on August 1, 2024. The agreement covers approximately 60 employees. The parties are currently operating under the terms of a general wage increase unilaterally implemented by KU. The IBEW local has filed certain unfair labor practice claims with the U.S. Department of Labor and can be terminated with 12 months' notice by either side.approved a strike authorization vote. KU expects to begin negotiating their new contract during July 2024, ahead of the August expiration.




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(PPL)


CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENTLabor agreement negotiations with the Rhode Island UWUA are expected to commence in March 2024. The current contracts cover over 530 employees and are scheduled to expire in May 2024.


The Registrants and their subsidiaries are subject to risks from cyber-attacks that have the potential to cause significant interruptions to the operation of their businesses. The frequency of these attempted intrusions has increased in recent years and the sources, motivations and techniques of attack continue to evolve and change rapidly. PPL has undertaken a variety of actions to monitor and address cyber-related risks. Cybersecurity and the effectiveness of PPL’s cybersecurity strategy are regular topics of discussion at Board and Audit Committee meetings. PPL's strategy for managing cyber-related risks is risk-based and, where appropriate, integrated within the company's enterprise risk management processes. PPL’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, leads a dedicated cybersecurity team and is responsible for the design, implementation, and execution of cyber-risk management strategy. Among other things, the CISO and the cybersecurity team actively monitor the Registrants' systems, regularly review policies, compliance, regulations and best practices, perform penetration testing, lead response exercises and internal campaigns, and provide training and communication across the organization to strengthen secure behavior. The cybersecurity team also routinely participates in industry-wide programs to further information sharing, intelligence gathering, and unity of effort in responding to potential or actual attacks. In addition to these enterprise-wide initiatives, PPL’s Kentucky and Pennsylvania operations are subject to extensive and rigorous mandatory cybersecurity requirements that are developed and enforced by NERC and approved by FERC to protect grid security and reliability. Finally, PPL purchases insurance to protect against a wide range of costs that could be incurred in connection with cyber-related incidents. There can be no assurance, however, that these efforts will be effective to prevent interruption of services or other damage to the Registrants' businesses or operations or that PPL's insurance coverage will cover all costs incurred in connection with any cyber-related incident.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION(All Registrants)

PPL's Internet website is www.pplweb.com. Under the Investors heading of that website, PPL provides access to all SEC filings of the Registrants (including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(d) or 15(d)) free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. The information contained on, or available through, PPL's Internet website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, incorporated by reference into this report. Additionally, the Registrants' filings are available at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330..





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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Registrants face various risks associated with their businesses. Our businesses, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. In addition, this report also contains forward-looking and other statements about our businesses that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Information," "Item 1. Business," "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 13 to the Financial Statements for moreadditional information concerning the risks described below and for other risks, uncertainties and factors that could impactaffect our businesses and financial results.

As used in this Item 1A., the terms "we," "our" and "us" generally refer to PPL and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole, or PPL Electric and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole within the Pennsylvania Regulated segment discussion, or LKELG&E, KU and itstheir consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole within the Kentucky Regulated segment discussion, and RIE within the Rhode Island Regulated segment discussion.

Order of Subsection Presentation

A.Risks Related to Registrant Holding Company
B.Risks Related to Regulated Utility Operations
C.Risks Specific to Kentucky Regulated Segment
D.Risks Specific to Pennsylvania Regulated Segment
E.Risks Specific to Rhode Island Regulated Segment
F.Risks Related to All Segments

(PPL)

Risks relatedA. Risk Related to our U.K. SegmentRegistrant Holding Company

Our U.K. distribution business contributesPPL is a significant amountholding company and its cash flows and ability to meet its obligations with respect to indebtedness and under guarantees, and its ability to pay dividends, largely depends on the financial performance of PPL's earningsits respective subsidiaries and, exposes usas a result, is effectively subordinated to the following additional risks related to operating outside the U.S., including risks associated with changes in U.K. lawsall existing and regulations, taxes, economic conditionsfuture liabilities of those subsidiaries.

PPL is a holding company and political conditions and policiesconducts its operations primarily through subsidiaries. Substantially all of the U.K. governmentconsolidated assets of PPL are held by its subsidiaries. Accordingly, PPL's cash flows and ability to meet debt and guaranty obligations, as well as PPL's ability to pay dividends, are largely dependent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and the European Union. These risks may adversely impact the results of operations of our U.K. distribution business or affect our ability to access U.K. revenues forother payment of distributions or for other corporate purposessuch earnings in the U.S.

changes in lawsform of dividends, distributions, loans, advances or regulations relatingrepayment of loans and advances. The subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no obligation to U.K. operations, including rate regulations, operational performance and tax laws and regulations;
changes in government policies, personnel or approval requirements;
changes in general economic conditions affecting the U.K.;
regulatory reviews of tariffs for DNOs, including the potential RIIO-EDI mid-period review currently being evaluated by Ofgem, with a decision as to whether to engage in such a review and the scope thereof to be announced in the spring of 2018;
changes in labor relations;
limitations on foreign investment or ownership of projects and returnspay dividends or distributions to foreign investors;
limitationstheir parents or to make funds available for such a payment. The ability of PPL's subsidiaries to pay dividends or distributions in the future will depend on the subsidiaries' future earnings and cash flows and the needs of their businesses, and may be restricted by their obligations to holders of their outstanding debt and other creditors, as well as any contractual or legal restrictions in effect at such time, including the requirements of state corporate law applicable to payment of dividends and distributions, and regulatory requirements, including restrictions on the ability of foreign companiesPPL Electric, LG&E, KU, and RIE to borrow moneypay dividends under Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act.

Because PPL is a holding company, its debt and guaranty obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries. Although certain agreements to which certain subsidiaries are parties limit their ability to incur additional indebtedness, PPL and its subsidiaries retain the ability to incur substantial additional indebtedness and other liabilities. Therefore, PPL's rights and the rights of its creditors, including rights of debt holders, to participate in the assets of any of its subsidiaries, in the event that such a subsidiary is liquidated or reorganized, will be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary's creditors.

PPL may not realize the anticipated benefits of the RIE acquisition, which could materially adversely affect PPL's business, financial condition and results of operations.

PPL may not realize the anticipated financial and operational benefits from foreign lendersthe RIE acquisition if the business is not integrated in an efficient and lackeffective manner or if integration takes longer than anticipated. These integration risks include potential difficulties in conversion of localsystems and information, difficulties in harmonizing inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures, practices and policies, disruption from the acquisition making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers, and diversion of management time and attention to integration and other acquisition-related


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issues. In addition, PPL has incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the integration, and additional unanticipated costs may arise. No assurance can be given that the anticipated benefits from the acquisition will be achieved or, if achieved, the timing of their achievement. These risks and their consequences could result in increased costs or decreases in the amount of expected revenues and could have a material adverse effect on PPL's business, financial condition and results of operations.

(All Registrants)

B. Risks Related to Regulated Utility Operations

Our regulated utility businesses face many of the same risks, in addition to those risks that are unique to each of the Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated and Rhode Island Regulated segments. Set forth below are risk factors common to the regulated segments, followed by sections identifying separately the risks specific to each of these segments.

Our profitability is highly dependent on our ability to recover the costs of providing energy and utility services to our customers and earn an adequate return on our capital or loans;
changes in U.S. tax law applicable to taxation of foreign earnings;
compliance with U.S. foreign corrupt practices laws;investments. Regulators may not approve the rates we request and
prolonged periods of low inflation or deflation.

PPL's earnings existing rates may be adversely affected as a result of the March 2017 formal notificationchallenged.

The rates we charge our utility customers must be approved by the U.K. of its intent to withdraw from the European Union.

Significant uncertainty continues to exist concerning the effects of the March 2017 formal notification by the U.K. of its intent to withdraw from the European Union,one or more federal or state regulatory commissions, including the durationFERC, KPSC, VSCC, PAPUC and outcomeRIPUC. Although rate regulation is generally premised on the recovery of negotiations betweenprudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that regulatory authorities will consider all of our costs to have been prudently incurred or that the U.K.regulatory process by which rates are determined will always result in rates that achieve full or timely recovery of our costs or an adequate return on our capital investments. Federal or state agencies, intervenors and European Union asother permitted parties may challenge our current or future rate requests, structures or mechanisms, and ultimately reduce, alter or limit the rates we receive. Although our rates are generally regulated based on an analysis of our costs incurred in a base year or on future projected costs, the rates we are allowed to charge may or may not match our costs at any given time. Our regulated utility businesses are subject to substantial capital expenditure requirements over the next several years, which may require rate increase requests to the regulators in the future. If our costs are not adequately recovered through rates, it could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our utility businesses are subject to significant and complex governmentalregulation.

In addition to regulating the rates we charge, various federal and state regulatory authorities regulate many aspects of our utility operations, including:
the terms and conditions of our service and operations;
financial and capital structure matters, and issuance of securities;
siting, construction and operation of facilities;
mandatory reliability and safety standards under the withdrawal. PPLEnergy Policy Act of 2005 and other standards of conduct;
accounting, depreciation and cost allocation methodologies;
tax matters;
affiliate transactions;
acquisition, retirement and disposal of utility assets; and
various other matters, including energy efficiency.

Such regulations or changes thereto may subject us to higher operating costs or increased capital expenditures and failure to comply could result in sanctions or possible penalties which may not be recoverable from customers.
Our regulated businesses undertake significant capital projects and these activities are subjectto unforeseen costs, delays or failures, as well as risk of inadequate recovery ofresulting costs.
The regulated utility businesses are capital intensive and require significant investments in energy generation (in the case of LG&E and KU) and transmission, distribution and other infrastructure projects, such as projects for environmental compliance and system reliability. The completion of these projects without delays or cost overruns is subject to risks in many areas, including:
approval, licensing and permitting;
land acquisition and the availability of suitable land;


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skilled labor or equipment shortages;
construction problems or delays, including disputes with third-party intervenors;
increases in commodity prices or labor rates;
potential supply chain disruptions or delays; and
contractor performance.

Failure to complete our capital projects on schedule or on budget, or at all, could adversely affect our financial performance, operations and future growth if such expenditures are not granted rate recovery by our regulators.
We are or may be subject to costs of remediation of environmental contamination at facilities owned or operated by our former subsidiaries.
We may be subject to liability for the costs of environmental remediation of property now or formerly owned by us with respect to substances that we may have generated regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during or after the time we owned or operated the facilities. We also have current or previous ownership interests in sites associated with the production of manufactured gas for which we may be liable for additional costs related to investigation, remediation and monitoring of these sites. Remediation activities associated with our former manufactured gas plant operations are one source of such costs. Citizen groups or others may bring litigation regarding environmental issues including claims of various types, such as property damage, personal injury and citizen challenges to compliance decisions on the enforcement of environmental requirements, which could subject us to penalties, injunctive relief and the cost of litigation. We cannot predict the impact, in eitheramount and timing of future expenditures (including the short-termpotential or long-term, on foreign exchange ratesmagnitude of fines or PPL’s long-term financial condition that may be experienced as a result of the actions taken by the U.K. governmentpenalties) related to withdraw from the European Union,such environmental matters, although such impactsthey could be significant.material.


C. Risks Specific to Kentucky Regulated Segment
(PPL, LG&E and KU)
We are subject to foreign currency exchange ratefinancial, operational, regulatory and other risks because a significant portion of our cash flowsrelated to requirements, developments and reported earningsuncertainties in environmental regulation, including those affecting coal-fired generation facilities.

Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are currently generated by our U.K. business operations.
These risks relate primarilyapplicable to changes in the relative value of the British pound sterlingLG&E's and KU's generation supply, including its air emissions, water discharges (ELGs) and the U.S. dollar between the time we initially invest U.S. dollars in our U.K. businesses,management of hazardous and our strategy to hedge against such changes,solid wastes (CCRs), among other business-related activities, and the time that cash is repatriated to the U.S. from the U.K., including cash flows from our U.K. businesses that maycosts of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be distributed to PPL or used for repayments of intercompany loans or other general corporate purposes.predicted and could be material. In addition, PPL's consolidated reported earnings on a GAAP basisour costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws, regulations or similar rules are expanded or changed as the environmental standards governing LG&E’s and KU’s businesses, particularly as applicable to coal-fired generation and related activities, continue to be subject to earnings translation risk, whichuncertainties due to rulemaking and other regulatory developments, legislative activities and litigation, administrative and permit challenges. The Biden administration is considering a wide range of potential policies, executive orders, rules, legislation and other initiatives in connection with climate change that may affect these costs. Depending on the result of the conversion of earnings as reported in our U.K. businesses on a British pound sterling basis to a U.S. dollar basis in accordance with GAAP requirements.


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Our U.K. segment is subject to inflationary risks.
Our U.K. distribution business is subject to the risks associated with fluctuations in RPI in the U.K., which is a measure of inflation.
In RIIO-ED1, WPD's base demand revenue was established by Ofgem based on 2012/13 prices. Base demand revenue is subsequently adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in RPI for each year to determine the amount of revenue WPD can collect in tariffs. The RPI is forecasted annually by HM Treasury and subject to true-up in subsequent years. Consequently, the fluctuations between forecasted and actual RPI can result in variances in base demand revenue. Although WPD also has debt that is indexed to RPI and certain components of operations and maintenance expense are affected by inflation, these may not offset changes in base demand revenueextent, frequency and timing of such offsets would likely notchanges, LG&E and KU may face higher risks of unsuccessful implementation of environmental-related business plans, noncompliance with applicable environmental rules, delayed or incomplete rate recovery or increased costs of implementation. Costs may take the form of increased capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenses, monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures, operational changes, permit limitations or other restrictions. At some of our older generating facilities it may be correlated precisely with the calendar year inuneconomic for us to install necessary pollution control equipment, which the variance in demand revenue was initially incurred. Further, as RAVcould cause us to retire those units. Our ability to retire plants we believe are uneconomic is indexedexpected to RPI under U.K. rate regulations, a reduction in RPI could adversely affect a borrower's debt-to-RAV ratio, potentially limiting future borrowings at WPD's holding company.
Our U.K. delivery business isbe subject to revenue variability based on operational performance.
Our U.K. delivery businesses operate under an incentive-basedreceipt of regulatory framework. Managing operational riskapprovals. Market prices for energy and delivering agreed-upon performancecapacity also affect this cost-effectiveness analysis. Many of these environmental law considerations are criticalalso applicable to the U.K. Regulated segment's financial performance. Disruptionoperations of our key suppliers or customers, such as coal producers, power producers and industrial power users, and may impact the costs of their products and demand for our services.

(PPL and LG&E)

We are subject to these distribution networks could reduce profitability both directly by incurring costs for network restorationoperational, regulatory and also through the system of penalties and rewards that Ofgem administers relating to customer service levels.other risks regarding natural gas supply infrastructure.

A failure by any of our U.K. regulated businesses to comply with the terms ofnatural gas pipeline explosion or associated incident could have a distribution license may lead to the issuance of an enforcement order by Ofgemsignificant impact on LG&E’s natural gas operations or result in significant damages and penalties that could have an adverse impact on PPL.
Ofgem has powersLG&E’s financial position and results of operations. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration enforces regulations that govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities. Failure to levy fines of up to ten percent of revenue for any breach of a distribution license or, in certain circumstances, such as insolvency, the distribution license itself may be revoked. Ofgem also has formal powers to propose modifications to each distribution license and there can be no assurance that a restrictive modification will not be introducedcomply with these regulations could result in the future,assessment of fines or penalties against LG&E. These regulations require, among other things, that pipeline operators take certain measures with respect to pipeline integrity. Depending on the results of integrity tests and other integrity program


20

activities, we could incur significant and unexpected costs to perform remedial activities on our natural gas infrastructure to ensure our continued safe and reliable operation. Recent pipeline incidents in the U.S. have also led to the introduction of proposed rules and possible federal legislative actions which could impose restrictions on LG&E’s operations or require more stringent testing to ensure pipeline integrity. Implementation of these regulations could increase our costs to comply with pipeline integrity and safety regulations.

D. Risks Specific to Pennsylvania Regulated Segment

(PPL and PPL Electric)

We face competition for transmission projects, which could adversely affect our rate base growth.

FERC Order 1000, issued in July 2011, establishes certain procedural and substantive requirements relating to participation, cost allocation and non-incumbent developer aspects of regional and inter-regional electricity transmission planning activities. The PPL Electric transmission business, operating under a FERC-approved PJM Open Access Transmission Tariff, is subject to competition pursuant to FERC Order 1000 from entities that are not incumbent PJM transmission owners with respect to the construction and ownership of transmission facilities within PJM. Increased competition can result in lower rate base growth.

We could be subject to higher costs and/or penalties related to Pennsylvania Conservation and Energy Efficiency Programs.

PPL Electric is subject to Act 129, which contains requirements for energy efficiency and conservation programs and for the use of smart metering technology, imposes PLR electricity supply procurement rules, provides remedies for market misconduct, and made changes to the existing Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. The law also requires electric utilities to meet specified goals for reduction in customer electricity usage and peak demand. Utilities not meeting these Act 129 requirements are subject to significant penalties that cannot be recovered in rates. Numerous factors outside of our control could prevent compliance with these requirements and result in penalties to us.

E. Risks Specific to the Rhode Island Regulated Segment

(PPL)

We are subject to operational, regulatory and other risks regarding natural gas supply infrastructure in Rhode Island.

A natural gas pipeline explosion or associated incident could have a significant impact on RIE's natural gas operations or result in significant damages and penalties that could have an adverse effectimpact on RIE’s financial position and results of operations. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration enforces regulations that govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in the assessment of fines or penalties against RIE. These regulations require, among other things, that pipeline operators take certain measures with respect to pipeline integrity. Depending on the operationsresults of integrity tests and financial condition of the U.K. regulated businessesother integrity program activities, we could incur significant and PPL.unexpected costs to perform remedial activities on our natural gas infrastructure to ensure our continued safe and reliable operation.

F. Risks Related to All Segments

(All Registrants)

The operationPandemic health events and their impact on business and economic conditions could negatively affect our business.

A resurgence, or new variant of ourCOVID-19 or other pandemic health event and related remediation efforts could present challenges to businesses, iscommunities, workforces, markets and supply chains. At this time, the Registrants’ cannot predict the ways in which and the extent to which these or other pandemic-related factors may affect their business, earnings or other financial results.

Our business operations are continually subject to cyber-based security and data integrity risks.risks from vulnerabilities related to our IT systems, operational technology infrastructure and supply chain relationships.


Numerous functions affecting the efficient operation of our businesses are dependent on the secure and reliable storage, processing and communication of electronic data and the use of sophisticated computer hardware and software systems.systems and network infrastructure. The operation of our transmission and distribution operations,systems, including gas distribution systems, as well


21

as our generation plants, are all reliant on cyber-based, technologiescomplex and therefore,integrated technologies. Systemic issues could arise as a result of upgrades to particular software or human error. In addition, these complex systems are subject to the risk that such systemsthey could be the target of disruptive actions principally by terrorists, nation state actors or criminals or otherwise be compromisedcompromised. Attacks may come through ransomware, software updates or patches, use of opensource software, firmware that hackers can manipulate to include malicious codes for exploitation at a later date, orthe compromising of hardware by unintentional events.bad actors, creating serious risks to our security, the security of our customers' information, and potentially to our ability to provide power. Attacks could also target our personnel or contractors through attempts to gain access or credentials that could be used to breach our systems. As a result, operations could be interrupted, property could be damaged and sensitive customer information lost or stolen, causing us to incur significant losses of revenues, other substantial liabilities and damages, costs to replace or repair damaged equipment and damage to our reputation. Threats to our systems and operations continue to emerge as new ways to compromise components of our systems or networks are developed. Additionally, cybersecurity risks also threaten our supply chains, including aspects that are not under our control, such as the incorporation of opensource software in systems or software that we use, that despite our efforts do not meet our current security standards.

In addition, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, users, owners and operators of the bulk power transmission system, including PPL Electric, LG&E, KU and KU,RIE, are subject to mandatory reliability standards promulgated by NERC and SERC and enforced by the FERC. As thean operator of natural gas distribution systems, LG&E is also subject to mandatory reliability standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.Transportation and is also subject to certain security directives related to cybersecurity issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2021. The TSA has determined that LG&E is critical, while RIE has not been notified of this distinction and is therefore not currently subject to the security directives. Failure to comply with suchthese standards could result in the imposition of fines or civil penalties, and potential exposure to third party claims for alleged violations of suchthe standards.


We are subject to risks associated with federal and state tax laws and regulations.

Changes in tax law including the recent enactment of the TCJA, as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could negatively impact our results of operations.operations and cash flows. We are required to make judgments in order to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. These tax obligations include income, property, gross receipts, franchise, sales and use, employment-related and other taxes. We also estimate our ability to utilize deferred tax benefitsassets and tax credits. Due toDependent upon the revenue needs of the jurisdictions in which our businesses operate, various tax and fee increases may be proposed or considered. We cannot predict changes in tax law or regulation or the effect of any such changes on our businesses. Any such changes could increase tax expense and could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.


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The TCJA had a significant impact on our 2017 financial statements and expected future operating cash flows. We have completed or made reasonable estimates of the effects of the TCJA reflected in our December 31, 2017 financial statements, but we continue to evaluate the application of various components ofrelevant laws, including the lawTCJA and the IRA in the calculation ofcalculating income tax expense.


Increases in electricity prices and/or a weak economy can lead to changes in legislative and regulatory policy, including the promotion of energy efficiency, conservation and distributed generation or self-generation, which may adversely impact our business.
 
Energy consumption is significantly impacted by overall levels of economic activity and costs of energy supplies. Economic downturns or periods of high energy supply costs can lead to changes in or the development of legislative and regulatory policy designed to promote reductions in energy consumption and increased energy efficiency, alternative and renewable energy sources, and distributed or self-generation by customers. This focus on conservation, energy efficiency and self-generation may result in a decline in electricity demand, which could adversely affect our business.


We could be negatively affected by rising interest rates, downgrades to our credit ratings, adverse credit market conditions or other negative developments in our ability to access capital markets.
 
InOur businesses are capital-intensive and, in the ordinary course of business, we are reliant upon adequate long-term and short-term financing to fund our significant capital expenditures, debt service and operating needs. As a capital-intensive business,result, we are sensitive to developments in interest rates, credit rating considerations, insurance, security or collateral requirements, market liquidity and credit availability and refinancing opportunities necessary or advisable to respond to credit market changes. Changes in these conditions could result in increased costs and decreased availability of credit. In addition, certain sources of debt and equity capital have expressed reservations about investing in companies that rely on fossil fuels. If sources of our capital are reduced, capital costs could increase materially.
 
A downgrade in our credit ratings could negatively affect our ability to access capital and increase the cost of maintaining our credit facilities and any new debt.
 
Credit ratings assigned by Moody's and S&P to our businesses and their financial obligations have a significant impact on the cost of capital incurred by our businesses. A ratings downgrade could increase our short-term borrowing costs and negatively


22

affect our ability to fund liquidity needs and access new long-term debt at acceptable interest rates. See "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Ratings Triggers" for additional information on the financial impact of a downgrade in our credit ratings.
 
Our operating revenues could fluctuate on a seasonal basis, especially as a result of extreme weather conditions.conditions, including storms, or from changes in average temperatures for extended periods, which may be caused or exacerbated by climate change.
 
Our businesses are subject to seasonal demand cycles. For example, in some markets demand for, and market prices of, electricity peak during hot summer months, while in other markets such peaks occur in cold winter months. As a result, our overall operating results may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis if weather conditions diverge adversely from seasonal norms.
Operating expenses Extreme weather and other significant disruptive events could be affected by weather conditions, including storms, as well as by significant man-made or accidentaldisturbances, including terrorism or natural disasters.
Weather and these other factors can significantly affect our profitability or operations by causing outages, damaging infrastructure and requiring significant repair costs. Storm outages and damage often directly decrease revenues and increase expenses, due to reduced usage and restoration costs. The effects of climate change may cause, contribute to or magnify fluctuations in our operating results.
 
Our businesses are subject to physical, market and economic risks relating to potentialeffects of climate change.
 
Climate change may produce changes in weather or other environmental conditions, including temperature or precipitation levels, and thus may impact consumer demand for electricity. In addition, the potential physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, and other climatic events, could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs to prepare for or respond to these effects. Climate change may also contribute to heightened risk or severity of wildfires, which could disrupt our operations and cause us to incur significant costs, though the annual FEMA National Risk Index for wildfires in the jurisdictions in which we provide service is very low to relatively moderate. These or other meteorological changes could lead to increased operating costs, capital expenses or power purchase costs. Greenhouse gas regulation could increase the cost of electricity, particularly power generated by fossil fuels, and such increases could have a depressive effect on regional economies. Reduced economic and consumer activity in our service areas -- both generally and specific to certain industries and consumers accustomed to previously lower cost power -- could reduce demand for the power we generate, market and deliver. Also, demand for our energy-related services could be similarly lowered by consumers' preferences or market factors favoring energy efficiency, low-carbon power sources or reduced electricity usage. The Registrants' responses to such climate-related risks include compliance with evolving governmental policy and developing and implementing strategies designed to meet net zero carbon emissions goals, which may affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 


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We cannot predict the outcome of the legal proceedings andor investigations currently being conducted with respectrelated to our current and past business activities.businesses in which we are periodically involved. An adverseunfavorable outcome or determination in any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation and periodically are subject to ongoing state and federal investigations arising out of our business operations, the most significant of which are summarized in "FederalItem 1. Business and "Regulatory Matters" in Note 67 to the Financial Statements and in "Legal Matters,"Matters" and "Regulatory Issues" and "Environmental Matters" in Note 13 to the Financial Statements. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, nor can we reasonably estimate the costs or liabilities that could potentially result from a negative outcome in each case.
 
Significant increases in our operation and maintenance expenses, including health care and pension costs, could adversely affect our future earnings and liquidity.
 
We continually focus on limiting and reducing our operation and maintenance expenses. However, we expect to continue to face increased cost pressures in our operations. Increased costs of materials and labor may result from general inflation, increased regulatory requirements (especially in respect of environmental regulations), the need for higher-cost expertise in the workforce or other factors. In addition, pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, we are contractually committed to provide specified levels of health care and pension benefits to certain current employees and retirees. These benefits give rise to significant expenses. Due to general inflation with respect to such costs, the aging demographics of our workforce and other factors, we have experienced significant health care cost inflation in recent years, and we expect our health care costs, including prescription drug coverage, to continue to increase despite measures that we have taken and expect to take to require employees and retirees to bear a higher portion of the costs of their health care benefits. In addition, we expect to continue to incur significant costs with respect to the defined benefit pension plans for our employees and retirees. The measurement of our expected future health care and pension obligations, costs and liabilities is highly dependent on a variety of assumptions, most of which relate to factors beyond our control. These assumptions include investment returns, interest rates, health care cost


23

trends, inflation rates, benefit improvements, salary increases and the demographics of plan participants. If our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, our future costs and cash contribution requirements to fund these benefits could increase significantly.
 
We may incur liabilities in connection with discontinued operations.divestitures.
 
In connection with various divestitures, and certain other transactions, we have indemnified or guaranteed parties against certain liabilities. These indemnities and guarantees relate, among other things, to liabilities which may arise with respect to the period during which we or our subsidiaries operated a divested business, and to certain ongoing contractual relationships and entitlements with respect to which we or our subsidiaries made commitments in connection with thea divestiture. See "Guarantees and Other Assurances" in Note 13 to the Financial Statements.


We are subject to liability risks relating to our generation,transmission and distribution operations.
 
The conduct of our physical and commercial operations subjects us to many risks, including risks of potential physical injury, property damage or other financial liability, caused to or by employees, customers, contractors, vendors, contractual or financial counterparties and other third parties.
 
Our facilities may not operate as planned, which may increase our expenses and decrease our revenues and have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
 
Operation of power plants, transmission and distribution facilities, information technology systems and other assets and activities subjects us to a variety of risks, including the breakdown or failure of equipment, accidents, security breaches, viruses or outages affecting information technology systems, labor disputes, obsolescence, delivery/transportation problems and disruptions of fuel supply and performance below expected levels. These events may impact our ability to conduct our businesses efficiently and lead to increased costs, expenses or losses. Operation of our delivery systems below our expectations may result in lost revenue and increased expense, including higher maintenance costs, which may not be recoverable from customers. Planned and unplanned outages at our power plants may require us to purchase power at then-current market prices to satisfy our commitments or, in the alternative, pay penalties and damages for failure to satisfy them.
 
Although we maintain customary insurance coverage for certain of these risks, we do not carry insurance for all of these risks and no assurance can be given that such insurance coverage will be sufficient to compensate us in the event losses occur.



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We are required to obtain, and to comply with, government permits and approvals.

We are required to obtain, and to comply with, numerous permits, approvals, licenses and certificates from governmental agencies. The process of obtaining and renewing necessary permits can be lengthy and complex and can sometimes result in the establishment of permit conditions that make the project or activity for which thea permit was sought unprofitable or otherwise unattractive. In addition, such permits or approvals may be subject to denial, revocation or modification under variouscertain circumstances. Failure to obtain or comply with the conditions of permits or approvals, or failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, may result in the delay or temporary suspension of our operations and electricity sales or the curtailment of our power delivery and may subject us to penalties and other sanctions. Although various regulators routinely renew existing licenses, renewal could be denied or jeopardized by various factors, including failure to provide adequate financial assurance for closure; failure to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations or permit conditions; local community, political or other opposition; and executive, legislative or regulatory action.
 
Our cost or inability to obtain and comply with the permits and approvals required for our operations could have a material adverse effect on our operations and cash flows. In addition, new environmental legislation or regulations, if enacted, or changed interpretations of existing laws may elicit claims that historical routine modification activities at our facilities violated applicable laws and regulations. In addition to the possible imposition of fines in such cases, we may be required to undertake significant capital investments in pollution control technology and obtain additional operating permits or approvals, which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
 
War, other armed conflicts or terrorist attacks could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
War, terrorist attacks and unrest have caused and may continue to cause instability in the world's financial and commercial markets and have contributed to high levels of volatility in prices for oil and gas.markets. In addition, unrest in the Middle East could lead to acts of terrorism in the United States the United Kingdom or elsewhere, and acts of terrorism could be directed against companies such as ours. Armed conflicts and terrorism and their effects on us or our markets may significantly affect our business and results of operations in the future. In addition, we may incur increased costs for security, including additional physical plant security and security personnel or additionalincreased capability following a terrorist incident.


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We are subject to counterparty performance, credit or other risk in theirthe provision of goods or services to us, which could adversely affect our ability to operate our facilities or conduct business activities.
 
We purchase from a variety of suppliers energy, capacity, fuel, natural gas, transmission service and certain commodities used in the physical operation of our businesses, as well as goods or services, including information technology rights and services, used in the administration of our businesses. Delivery of these goods and services is dependent on the continuing operational performance and financial viability of our contractual counterparties and also the markets, infrastructure or third-partiesthird parties they use to provide such goods and services to us. As a result, we are subject to the risks of disruptions, curtailments or increased costs in the operation of our businesses if such goods or services are unavailable or become subject to price spikes or if a counterparty fails to perform. Such disruptions could adversely affect our ability to operate our facilities or deliver our services and collect our revenues, which could result in lower sales and/or higher costs and thereby adversely affect our results of operations. The performance of coal markets and producers may be the subject of increased counterparty risk to LKE, LG&E and KU currently due to weaknesses in such markets and suppliers. The coal industry is subject to increasing competitive pressures from natural gas markets, political pressures and new or more stringent environmental regulation, including greenhouse gases or other air emissions,regulation of combustion byproducts and water inputs or discharges. Consequently, the coal industry faces increased production costs or closed customer markets.


We are subject to the risk that our workforce and its knowledge base may become depleted in coming years.
 
Our businesses depend upon our ability to employ and retain key officers and other skilled professional and technical employees. We are experiencing an increase inexperience attrition due primarily to the number of retiring employees, with the risk that critical knowledge will be lost and that it may be difficult to replace departed personnel, and to attract and retain new personnel, with appropriate skills and experience, due to a declining trend in the number of available skilled workers and an increase in competition for such workers.



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(PPL and LKE)experience.
 
Risk Related to Registrant Holding Companies
PPL and LKE are holding companies and their cash flows and ability to meet their obligations with respect to indebtedness and under guarantees, and PPL's ability to pay dividends, largely depends on the financial performance of their respective subsidiaries and, as a result, is effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of those subsidiaries.
PPL and LKE are holding companies and conduct their operations primarily through subsidiaries. Substantially all of the consolidated assets of these Registrants are held by their subsidiaries. Accordingly, these Registrants' cash flows and ability to meet debt and guaranty obligations, as well as PPL's ability to pay dividends, are largely dependent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of such earnings in the form of dividends, distributions, loans, advances or repayment of loans and advances. The subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no obligation to pay dividends or distributions to their parents or to make funds available for such a payment. The ability of the Registrants' subsidiaries to pay dividends or distributions in the future will depend on the subsidiaries' future earnings and cash flows and the needs of their businesses, and may be restricted by their obligations to holders of their outstanding debt and other creditors, as well as any contractual or legal restrictions in effect at such time, including the requirements of state corporate law applicable to payment of dividends and distributions, and regulatory requirements, including restrictions on the ability of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU to pay dividends under Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act.
Because PPL and LKE are holding companies, their debt and guaranty obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of their subsidiaries. Although certain agreements to which certain subsidiaries are parties limit their ability to incur additional indebtedness, PPL and LKE and their subsidiaries retain the ability to incur substantial additional indebtedness and other liabilities. Therefore, PPL's and LKE's rights and the rights of their creditors, including rights of debt holders, to participate in the assets of any of their subsidiaries, in the event that such a subsidiary is liquidated or reorganized, will be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary's creditors. In addition, if PPL elects to receive distributions of earnings from its foreign operations, PPL may incur U.S. income taxes, net of any available foreign tax credits, on such amounts.
(PPL Electric, LG&E and KU)
Risks Related to Domestic Regulated Utility Operations
Our domestic regulated utility businesses face many of the same risks, in addition to those risks that are unique to each of the Kentucky Regulated segment and the Pennsylvania Regulated segment. Set forth below are risk factors common to both domestic regulated segments, followed by sections identifying separately the risks specific to each of these segments.
Our profitability is highly dependent on our ability to recover the costs of providing energy and utility services to our customers and earn an adequate return on our capital investments. Regulators may not approve the rates we request and existing rates may be challenged.
The rates we charge our utility customers must be approved by one or more federal or state regulatory commissions, including the FERC, KPSC, VSCC and PUC. Although rate regulation is generally premised on the recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that regulatory authorities will consider all of our costs to have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process by which rates are determined will always result in rates that achieve full or timely recovery of our costs or an adequate return on our capital investments. Federal or state agencies, intervenors and other permitted parties may challenge our current or future rate requests, structures or mechanisms, and ultimately reduce, alter or limit the rates we receive. Although our rates are generally regulated based on an analysis of our costs incurred in a base year or on future projected costs, the rates we are allowed to charge may or may not match our costs at any given time. Our domestic regulated utility businesses are subject to substantial capital expenditure requirements over the next several years, which will likely require rate increase requests to the regulators. If our costs are not adequately recovered through rates, it could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our domestic utility businesses are subject to significant and complex governmentalregulation.
In addition to regulating the rates we charge, various federal and state regulatory authorities regulate many aspects of our domestic utility operations, including:
the terms and conditions of our service and operations;


27


financial and capital structure matters;
siting, construction and operation of facilities;
mandatory reliability and safety standards under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other standards of conduct;
accounting, depreciation and cost allocation methodologies;
tax matters;
affiliate transactions;
acquisition and disposal of utility assets and issuance of securities; and
various other matters, including energy efficiency.

Such regulations or changes thereto may subject us to higher operating costs or increased capital expenditures and failure to comply could result in sanctions or possible penalties which may not be recoverable from customers.
Our domestic regulated businesses undertake significant capital projects and these activities are subjectto unforeseen costs, delays or failures, as well as risk of inadequate recovery ofresulting costs.
The domestic regulated utility businesses are capital intensive and require significant investments in energy generation (in the case of LG&E and KU) and transmission, distribution and other infrastructure projects, such as projects for environmental compliance and system reliability. The completion of these projects without delays or cost overruns is subject to risks in many areas, including:
approval, licensing and permitting;
land acquisition and the availability of suitable land;
skilled labor or equipment shortages;
construction problems or delays, including disputes with third-party intervenors;
increases in commodity prices or labor rates; and
contractor performance.

Failure to complete our capital projects on schedule or on budget, or at all, could adversely affect our financial performance, operations and future growth if such expenditures are not granted rate recovery by our regulators.
We are or may be subject to costs of remediation of environmental contamination at facilities owned or operated by our former subsidiaries.
We may be subject to liability for the costs of environmental remediation of property now or formerly owned by us with respect to substances that we may have generated regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during or after the time we owned or operated the facilities. We also have current or previous ownership interests in sites associated with the production of manufactured gas for which we may be liable for additional costs related to investigation, remediation and monitoring of these sites. Remediation activities associated with our former manufactured gas plant operations are one source of such costs. Citizen groups or others may bring litigation regarding environmental issues including claims of various types, such as property damage, personal injury and citizen challenges to compliance decisions on the enforcement of environmental requirements, which could subject us to penalties, injunctive relief and the cost of litigation. We cannot predict the amount and timing of all future expenditures (including the potential or magnitude of fines or penalties) related to such environmental matters, although they could be material.

Risks Specific to Kentucky Regulated Segment
(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
The costs of compliance with, and liabilities under, environmental laws aresignificant and are subject to continuing changes.
Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to LG&E's and KU's generation business, including its air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid wastes, among other business-related activities, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted but could be material. In addition, our costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws, regulations or similar rules are expanded or changed. Costs may take the form of increased capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenses, monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures, operational changes, permit limitations or other restrictions. At some of our older generating facilities it may be uneconomic for us to install necessary pollution control equipment, which could cause us to retire those units. Market prices for energy and capacity also affect this cost-effectiveness analysis. Many of these environmental law considerations are


28


also applicable to the operations of our key suppliers or customers, such as coal producers and industrial power users, and may impact the costs of their products and demand for our services.
Ongoing changes in environmental regulations or their implementation requirements and our related compliance strategies entail a number of uncertainties.
The environmental standards governing LG&E's and KU's businesses, particularly as applicable to coal-fired generation and related activities, continue to be subject to uncertainties due to rulemaking and other regulatory developments, legislative activities and litigation, administrative or permit challenges. Revisions to applicable standards, changes in compliance deadlines and invalidation of rules on appeal may require major changes in compliance strategies, operations or assets and adjustments to prior plans. Depending on the extent, frequency and timing of such changes, the companies may be subject to inconsistent requirements under multiple regulatory programs, compressed windows for decision-making and short compliance deadlines that may require new technologies or aggressive schedules for construction, permitting and other regulatory approvals. Under such circumstances, the companies may face higher risks of unsuccessful implementation of environmental-related business plans, noncompliance with applicable environmental rules, delayed or incomplete rate recovery or increased costs of implementation.
We are subject to operational, regulatory and other risks regarding certain significant developments in environmental regulation affecting coal-fired generation facilities.
Certain regulatory initiatives have been implemented or are under development which could represent significant developments or changes in environmental regulation and compliance costs or risk associated with the combustion of coal as occurs at LG&E's and KU's coal-fired generation facilities. In particular, such developments include the federal Coal Combustion Residuals regulations governing coal by-product storage activities and the federal Effluent Limitations Guidelines governing water discharge activities. Such initiatives have the potential to require significant changes in generation portfolio composition and in coal combustion byproduct handling and disposal or water treatment and release facilities and methods from those historically used or currently available. Consequently, such developments may involve increased risks relating to the uncertain cost, efficacy and reliability of new technologies, equipment or methods. Compliance with such regulations could result in significant changes to LG&E's and KU's operations or commercial practices and material additional capital or operating expenditures. Such circumstances could also involve higher risks of compliance violations or of variations in rate or regulatory treatment when compared to existing frameworks.
Risks Specific to Pennsylvania Regulated Segment
(PPL and PPL Electric)
We plan to selectively pursue growth of our transmission capacity, which involves a number of uncertainties and may not achieve the desired financial results.
We plan to pursue expansion of our transmission capacity over the next several years. We plan to do this through the potential construction or acquisition of transmission projects and capital investments to upgrade transmission infrastructure. These types of projects involve numerous risks. With respect to the construction or acquisition of transmission projects, we may be required to expend significant sums for preliminary engineering, permitting, resource exploration, legal and other expenses before it can be established whether a project is feasible, economically attractive or capable of being financed. Expansion in our regulated businesses is dependent on future load or service requirements and subject to applicable regulatory processes. The success of both a new or acquired project would likely be contingent, among other things, upon the negotiation of satisfactory construction contracts, obtaining acceptable financing and maintaining acceptable credit ratings, as well as receipt of required and appropriate governmental approvals. If we were unable to complete construction or expansion of a project, we may not be able to recover our investment in the project.
We face competition for transmission projects, which could adversely affect our rate base growth.
FERC Order 1000, issued in July 2011, establishes certain procedural and substantive requirements relating to participation, cost allocation and non-incumbent developer aspects of regional and inter-regional electric transmission planning activities. The PPL Electric transmission business, operating under a FERC-approved PJM Open Access Transmission Tariff, is subject to competition pursuant to FERC Order 1000 from entities that are not incumbent PJM transmission owners with respect to the construction and ownership of transmission facilities within PJM. Increased competition can result in lower rate base growth.


29


We could be subject to higher costs and/or penalties related to Pennsylvania Conservation and Energy Efficiency Programs.
PPL Electric is subject to Act 129 which contains requirements for energy efficiency and conservation programs and for the use of smart metering technology, imposes PLR electricity supply procurement rules, provides remedies for market misconduct, and made changes to the existing Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. The law also requires electric utilities to meet specified goals for reduction in customer electricity usage and peak demand. Utilities not meeting these Act 129 requirements are subject to significant penalties that cannot be recovered in rates. Numerous factors outside of our control could prevent compliance with these requirements and result in penalties to us.

Other

(PPL)

Risks Relating to the Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and Formation of Talen Energy Corporation
If the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply does not qualify as a tax-free distribution under Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), including as a result of subsequent acquisitions of stock of PPL or Talen Energy, then PPL and/or its shareowners may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes.
Among other requirements, the completion of the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and subsequent combination with RJS Power was conditioned upon PPL's receipt of a legal opinion of tax counsel to the effect that the spinoff will qualify as a reorganization pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(D) and a tax-free distribution pursuant to Section 355 of the Code. Although receipt of such legal opinion was a condition to completion of the spinoff and subsequent combination, that legal opinion is not binding on the IRS. Accordingly, the IRS could reach conclusions that are different from those in the tax opinion. If, notwithstanding the receipt of such opinion, the IRS were to determine the distribution to be taxable (including as a result of the subsequent acquisition of Talen Energy by affiliates of Riverstone on December 6, 2016 (the "Talen Acquisition")), PPL would, and its shareowners could, depending on their individual circumstances, recognize a tax liability that could be substantial. In addition, notwithstanding the receipt of such opinion, if the IRS were to determine the merger to be taxable (including as a result of the Talen Acquisition), PPL shareowners may, depending on their individual circumstances, recognize a tax liability that could be material.
In addition, the spinoff would be taxable to PPL pursuant to Section 355(e) of the Code if there were a 50% or greater change in ownership (by vote or value) of either PPL or Talen Energy (including as a result of the Talen Acquisition), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the spinoff. Because PPL's shareowners collectively owned more than 50% of Talen Energy's common stock following the spinoff and combination with RJS Power, the combination alone would not cause the spinoff to be taxable to PPL under Section 355(e) of the Code. However, Section 355(e) of the Code might apply if acquisitions of stock of PPL before or after the spinoff, or of Talen Energy after the combination (including the Talen Acquisition), were considered to be part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the spinoff. PPL is not aware of any such plan or series of transactions that include the spinoff.

In connection with the closing of the Talen Acquisition, Talen Energy was required to deliver to PPL a legal opinion of tax counsel concluding that the Talen Acquisition would not affect the tax-free status of the spinoff. As described above, such legal opinion is not binding on the IRS, and accordingly, the IRS could reach conclusions that are different from those expressed in the legal opinion.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company


None.
 

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY(All Registrants)

Processes for Identifying, Assessing and Managing Material Risks from Cybersecurity Threats

PPL’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for establishing PPL’s cyber-risk management strategy for PPL and the other Registrants and reports directly to PPL’s Chief Executive Officer. The CSO has over 25 years of experience leading technology and security organizations, has a degree in computer science, and holds professional certifications in information security, IT auditing, and privacy. He is also a member of nationally and internationally recognized industry and security organizations, including the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, International Association of Privacy Professionals, and the Domestic Security Alliance Council. PPL’s VP – Cybersecurity is responsible for implementing and executing the cyber-risk management strategy. The VP – Cybersecurity is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a wealth of experience safeguarding digital assets across multiple industries. He maintains a globally recognized cyber certification and has held multiple certifications in the areas of cyber risk and information control, and actively contributes to industry advancement as a member of national and international industry groups. The teams managed by the CSO and VP – Cybersecurity are comprised of seasoned experts in cyber and IT security and possess appropriate experience to safeguard the company’s data, networks and systems, mitigate cyber risks and help prevent and combat cyber threats.

The Registrants manage cybersecurity risks through monitoring, defense and response tools, including independent third-party assessments, internal audit assessments of the program’s effectiveness, intelligence reports, cybersecurity threat trends, implementation of governance models, industry collaboration and employee training and awareness. The Registrants are actively engaged in cybersecurity related industry forums, public-private partnerships with law enforcement, cross-industry peer groups, and other efforts to help improve the protection of the U.S. electric grid.

The Registrants utilize monitoring tools, including but not limited to, cybersecurity incident and event management, penetration testing, intrusion detection and prevention, vulnerability assessments and anti-virus systems to detect anomalous or suspicious system or network activity. The Registrants may also become aware of a potential cybersecurity event or incident through employee reports, notification by a third-party service provider or business partner with potential impact to the Registrants or their systems, customers or notification by a government agency. The Registrants’ subject matter specialists from across the


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25


enterprise provide input and expertise into risk governance processes, including cybersecurity, information technology, legal, compliance, operations, and enterprise risk management.


In developing their cybersecurity programs, the Registrants are guided byvarious frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, a voluntary framework that consists of standards, guidelines and best practices for managing cybersecurity risk, that is widely used by critical infrastructure industries to help determine and addressthe highest priority cybersecurity risks. The Registrants conduct regular internal cybersecurity audits and vulnerability assessments and regularly engage with third-party cybersecurity experts for external assessments of their cybersecurity controls, including technical, physical and social aspects, to better comprehend the scope and magnitude of active threats to the industry and nation and their potential impact on our systems.

PPL and the other Registrants also maintain a process to review the cyber risks that arise from the use of third-party service providers as well as programs and procedures to mitigate such risks internally and to assess the extent to which such providers effectively manage their own cyber risks.

The CSO chairs the Corporate Security Council, which holds regular meetings consisting of senior executive management and reviews and oversees cybersecurity risks. The VP – Cybersecurity chairs the Cybersecurity Governance Council, which governs actions to ensure that the Registrants are effectively managing cybersecurity risks, as well as the Cybersecurity Steering Committee, that drives accountability, establishes work priorities, and directs a portfolio of key cybersecurity projects and initiatives.

PPL has established an ExecutiveCrisis Team comprised of PPL’s executive leadership, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Operating Officer, VP – Public Affairs and Sustainability, VP – Corporate Communications, and additional officers as circumstances may warrant, to allow the company to respond quickly to a crisis, including a cyber event. This team governs and manages corporate crisis preparedness across the business lines, operations, and functions. Material or potentially material risks are escalated to the Executive Crisis Team and other appropriate leadership for review and action.

Also, the Registrants’ workforce undertakes mandatory role-based annual training on identifying, reporting, and escalating cyber and physical security concerns to further assist in the identification of risks as well as the acceptable use of corporate electronic resources. Additionally, all employees and contractors are required to participate in the Registrants’ ethical cyber phishing campaign program.

In addition to these enterprise-wide initiatives, PPL's Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island operations are subject to extensive and rigorous mandatory cybersecurity requirements that are developed and enforced by NERC and approved by the FERC to protect grid security and reliability. LG&E is also subject to certain security directives related to cybersecurity issued by the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration in 2021. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information on these directives.

The Registrants have been subject to attempted cybersecurity threats and will likely continue to be subject to such attempts in the future. While PPL has not determined any cybersecurity incidents have materially affected the Registrants, including their business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, there can be no guarantee that the Registrants will not be the subject of future, successful attacks, threats or incidents, which may be material.

See “Risks Related to All Segments – Our business operations are continually subject to cyber-based security and data integrity risks from vulnerabilities related to our IT systems, operational technology infrastructure and supply chain relationships” in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of cybersecurity risks affecting the Registrants.

Oversight of Cybersecurity Risks by the Board of Directors and Management

PPL’s Board of Directors oversees the Registrants’ management of cybersecurity risk through various processes identified below.

The Board has direct oversight of the Registrants’ cybersecurity programs through periodic reports from the CSO, at least twice a year, regarding cybersecurity matters and risks as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of our cybersecurity risk management program. Through these reports, the Board monitors the Registrants’ programs, processes and procedures related to cybersecurity. The Board has directed the CEO and CSO to promptly inform the Board in the event of a material or potentially material cybersecurity event. Each member of the Board has access to management, including the CEO and CSO, to ask questions and engage on the company’s approach to prevent, detect, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risk. PPL’s Board has several Board members with experience in cybersecurity, including one with a certificate in Cyber-Risk Oversight from the National Association of Corporate Directors.



26

A primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in the oversight of the identification, assessment and management of risk. Cybersecurity risks are included in PPL’s enterprise risk management process and are reported to the Audit Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis or more frequently, as needed.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
U.K. Regulated Segment(PPL)
For a description of WPD's service territory, see "Item 1. Business - General - Segment Information - U.K. Regulated Segment." WPD has electric distribution lines in public streets and highways pursuant to legislation and rights-of-way secured from property owners. At December 31, 2017, WPD's distribution system in the U.K. includes 1,877 substations with a total capacity of 73 million kVA, 56,080 circuit miles of overhead lines and 83,465 underground cable miles.
Kentucky Regulated Segment(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
 
LG&E's and KU's properties consist primarily of regulated generation facilities, electricity transmission and distribution assets and natural gas transmission and distribution assets in Kentucky. The capacity of generation units is based on a number of factors, including the operating experience and physical condition of the units, and may be revised periodically to reflect changed circumstances. The electricity generating capacity at December 31, 20172023 was:
   LKE LG&E KU  LG&EKU
Primary Fuel/Plant 
Total MW
Capacity
Summer
 
Ownership or
Other Interest
in MW
 
% Ownership
or Other
Interest
 
Ownership or
Other Interest
in MW
 
% Ownership
or Other
Interest
 
Ownership or
Other Interest
in MW
Primary Fuel/PlantTotal MW
Capacity
Summer
% Ownership
or Other
Interest
Ownership or
Other Interest
in MW
% Ownership
or Other
Interest
Ownership or
Other Interest
in MW
Coal            Coal 
Ghent - Units 1- 4 1,919 1,919 100.00 1,919Ghent - Units 1- 41,919100.001,919
Mill Creek - Units 1- 4 1,465 1,465 100.00 1,465 
E.W. Brown - Units 1-3 681 681 100.00 681
E.W. Brown - Unit 3
E.W. Brown - Unit 3
E.W. Brown - Unit 3412100.00412
Trimble County - Unit 1 (a) 493 370 75.00 370 
Trimble County - Unit 2 (a) 732 549 14.25 104 60.75 445
OVEC - Clifty Creek (b) 1,164 95 5.63 66 2.50 29
OVEC - Kyger Creek (b) 956 78 5.63 54 2.50 24
Trimble County - Unit 2 (a)
Trimble County - Unit 2 (a)73214.2510460.75445
 7,410 5,157 2,059 3,098
5,021
5,021
5,0211,9392,776
Natural Gas/Oil 
E.W. Brown Unit 5 (c) 130 130 53.00 69 47.00 61
E.W. Brown Unit 5 (b)
E.W. Brown Unit 5 (b)
E.W. Brown Unit 5 (b)13053.006947.0061
E.W. Brown Units 6 - 7 292 292 38.00 111 62.00 181E.W. Brown Units 6 - 729238.0011162.00181
E.W. Brown Units 8 - 11 (c) 484 484 100.00 484
E.W. Brown Units 8 - 11 (b)E.W. Brown Units 8 - 11 (b)484100.00484
Trimble County Units 5 - 6 318 318 29.00 92 71.00 226Trimble County Units 5 - 631829.009271.00226
Trimble County Units 7 - 10 636 636 37.00 235 63.00 401Trimble County Units 7 - 1063637.0023563.00401
Paddy's Run Units 11 - 12 35 35 100.00 35 
Paddy's Run Unit 12
Paddy's Run Unit 13
Paddy's Run Unit 13
Paddy's Run Unit 13 147 147 53.00 78 47.00 6914753.007847.0069
Haefling - Units 1 - 2 24 24 100.00 24Haefling - Units 1 - 224100.0024
Zorn Unit 14 14 100.00 14 
Cane Run Unit 7 662 662 22.00 146 78.00 516Cane Run Unit 766222.0014678.00516
Cane Run Unit 11 14 14 100.00 14  
 2,756 2,756 794 1,962
2,7162,7167541,962
Hydro 
Ohio Falls - Units 1-8 64 64 100.00 64 
Ohio Falls - Units 1-8
Ohio Falls - Units 1-8
Dix Dam - Units 1-3 32 32 100.00 32
 96 96 64 32
Dix Dam - Units 1-3
Dix Dam - Units 1-332100.0032
96966432
Solar 
E.W. Brown Solar (d) 8 8 39.00 3 61.00 5
E.W. Brown Solar (c)
E.W. Brown Solar (c)
E.W. Brown Solar (c)839.00361.005
 
Total 10,270 8,017 2,920 5,097
Total
Total7,8412,7604,775
 
(a)Trimble County Unit 1 and Trimble County Unit 2 are jointly owned with Illinois Municipal Electric Agency and Indiana Municipal Power Agency. Each owner is entitled to its proportionate share of the units' total output and funds its proportionate share of capital, fuel and other operating costs. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(b)These units are owned by OVEC. LG&E and KU have a power purchase agreement that entitles LG&E and KU to their proportionate share of these units' total output and LG&E and KU fund their proportionate share of fuel and other operating costs, including debt service. Clifty Creek is located in Indiana and Kyger Creek is located in Ohio. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(c)There is an inlet air cooling system attributable to these units. This inlet air cooling system is not jointly owned; however, it is used to increase production on the units to which it relates, resulting in an additional 10 MW of capacity for LG&E and an additional 88 MW of capacity for KU.

(a)Trimble County Unit 1 and Trimble County Unit 2 are jointly owned with Illinois Municipal Electric Agency and Indiana Municipal Power Agency. Each owner is entitled to its proportionate share of the units' total output and funds its proportionate share of capital, fuel and other operating costs. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(b)There is an inlet air cooling system attributable to these units. This inlet air cooling system is not jointly owned; however, it is used to increase production on the units to which it relates, resulting in an additional 12 MW of capacity for LG&E and an additional 86 MW of capacity for KU.
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(c)This unit is a 10 MW facility and achieves such production. The 8 MW solar facility summer capacity rating is reflective of an average expected output across the peak hours during the summer period based on average weather conditions at the solar facility.


(d)This unit is a 10 MW facility and achieves such production. The 8 MW solar facility summer capacity rating is reflective of an average expected output across the peak hours during the summer period based on average weather conditions at the solar facility.

For a description of LG&E's and KU's service areas, see "Item 1. Business - General - Segment Information - Kentucky Regulated Segment." At December 31, 2017,2023, LG&E's and KU's electricity transmission system included in the aggregate, 45 substations (31 of which are shared with theand distribution system) with a total capacity of 8 million kVAsystems and 669 pole miles of lines. LG&E's distribution system included 97 substations (31 of which are shared with the transmission system) with a total capacity of 5 million kVA, 3,892 circuit miles of overhead lines and 2,553 underground cable miles. KU's transmission system included 142 substations (60 of which are shared with the distribution system) with a total capacity of 14 million kVA and 4,066 pole miles of lines. KU's distribution system included 469 substations (60 of which are shared with the transmission system) with a total capacity of 7 million kVA, 14,016circuit miles of overhead lines and2,484underground cable miles.

LG&E's natural gas transmission system includes 4,310 milesand distribution systems were:


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LG&EKU
DistributionTransmissionDistributionTransmission
Electricity System
Substations (a)9678462212
Capacity (in millions of kVA)58815
Overhead lines (circuit miles)3,88066314,0864,064
Underground lines (circuit miles)2,82462,7894
Natural Gas System
Distribution mains (miles)4,447
Transmission pipeline (miles)234
Transmission storage lines (miles)95
Combustion turbine lines (miles)1911
Storage fields4
Storage field capacity (Bcf)11

(a)191 substations (61 at LG&E and 130 at KU) are shared between the distribution mains and 396 miles of gas transmission mains, consisting of 260 miles of gas transmission pipeline, 117 miles of gas transmission storage lines, 18 miles of gas combustion turbine lines and one mile of gas transmission pipeline in regulator facilities. Five underground natural gas storage fields, with a total working natural gas capacity of approximately 15 Bcf, are used in providing natural gas service to ultimate consumers. KU's service area includes an additional 11 miles of gas transmission pipeline providing gas supply to natural gas combustion turbine electricity generating units.systems.

Substantially all of LG&E's and KU's respective real and tangible personal property located in Kentucky and used or to be used in connection with the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and, in the case of LG&E, the storage and distribution of natural gas, is subject to the lien of either the LG&E 2010 Mortgage Indenture or the KU 2010 Mortgage Indenture. See Note 78 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

LG&E and KU continuously reexamine development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them or pursue other options. In 2016,See Item 1. Business for a discussion related to LG&E&E's and KU received approval from the KPSC to develop a 4 MW solar share facility to service a solar share program. The solar share program is an optional, voluntary program that allows customers to subscribe capacity in the solar share facility. Construction is expected to begin, in 500-kilowatt phases, when subscription is complete. As of December 31, 2017, LG&E and KU have not yet constructed the first solar share facility and are actively marketing theKU's Solar Share program and continue to receive interest from customers.2022 CPCN filing.

Pennsylvania Regulated Segment(PPL and PPL Electric)

For a description of PPL Electric's service territory,area, see "Item 1. Business - General - Segment Information - Pennsylvania Regulated Segment." PPL Electric has electric transmission and distribution lines in public streets and highways pursuant to franchises and rights-of-way secured from property owners. At December 31, 2017,2023, PPL Electric's transmission system includes 4952 substations with a total capacity of 2832 million kVA and 5,4005,295 circuit miles in service. PPL Electric's distribution system includes 351353 substations with a total capacity of 1415 million kVA, 37,19536,569 circuit miles of overhead lines and 8,5498,891 underground circuit miles. All of PPL Electric's facilities are located in Pennsylvania. Substantially all of PPL Electric's distribution properties and certain transmission properties are subject to the lien of the PPL Electric 2001 Mortgage Indenture. See Note 78 to the Financial Statements for additional information.


See Note 8 to the Financial StatementsRhode Island Regulated Segment(PPL)

For a description of RIE's service area, see "Item 1. Business - General - Segment Information - Rhode Island Regulated Segment." At December 31, 2023, RIE's electric transmission system includes 44 substations with capacity of 33 kVA or higher, 342 circuit miles of overhead lines and 45 underground circuit miles. RIE's electric distribution system includes 59 substations, 5,328 circuit miles of overhead lines and 1,234 underground circuit miles. RIE also has distribution mains for information on the Regional Transmission Line Expansion Plan.its natural gas system with mileage of 3,227 miles. All of RIE's facilities are located in Rhode Island.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
See Notes 5, 6, 7, 9 and 13 to the Financial Statements for information regarding legal, tax litigation,and regulatory matters and environmental proceedings and matters.proceedings.
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 




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PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY,
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

See "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Forecasted Uses of Cash" for information regarding certain restrictions on the ability to pay dividends for all Registrants.

PPL Corporation

Additional information for this item is set forth in the sections entitled "Quarterly Financial, Common Stock Price and Dividend Data," "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" and "Shareowner and Investor Information" of this report. At January 31, 2018,2024 there were 55,40944,305 common stock shareowners of record.

Issuer PurchaseThere were no purchases by PPL of Equity Securitiesits common stock during the Fourth Quarterfourth quarter of 2017.2023.
PeriodTotal Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans of ProgramsMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares(or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
October 1 to October 31, 2017

  
November 1 to November 30, 2017

  
December 1 to December 31, 20176,956
$36.27
  
Total6,956
$36.27
  

(1)
Represents shares of common stock withheld by PPL at the request of its executive officers to pay income taxes upon the vesting of the officer's restricted stock awards, as permitted under the terms of PPL's ICP.


PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

There is no established public trading market for PPL Electric's common stock, as PPL owns 100% of the outstanding common shares. Dividends paid to PPL on those common shares are determined by PPL Electric's Board of Directors. PPL Electric paid common stock dividends to PPL of $336$323 million in 20172023 and $288$340 million in 2016.2022.
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
There is no established public trading market for LKE's membership interests. PPL owns all of LKE's outstanding membership interests. Distributions on the membership interests are paid as determined by LKE's Board of Directors. LKE made cash distributions to PPL of $402 million in 2017 and $316 million in 2016.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company

There is no established public trading market for LG&E's common stock, as LKE owns 100% of the outstanding common shares. Dividends paid to LKE on those common shares are determined by LG&E's Board of Directors. LG&E paid common stock dividends to LKE of $192$166 million in 20172023 and $128$275 million in 2016.2022.

Kentucky Utilities Company

There is no established public trading market for KU's common stock, as LKE owns 100% of the outstanding common shares. Dividends paid to LKE on those common shares are determined by KU's Board of Directors. KU paid common stock dividends to LKE of $226$190 million in 20172023 and $248$296 million in 2016.2022.



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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

PPL Corporation (a) (b) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Income Items (in millions)
          
Operating revenues $7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
 $7,852
 $7,263
Operating income 3,068
 3,048
 2,831
 2,867
 2,561
Income from continuing operations after income taxes attributable to PPL shareowners 1,128
 1,902
 1,603
 1,437
 1,368
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of
income taxes) (f)
 
 
 (921) 300
 (238)
Net income attributable to PPL shareowners (f) 1,128
 1,902
 682
 1,737
 1,130
Balance Sheet Items (in millions)
          
Total assets (d) 41,479
 38,315
 39,301
 48,606
 45,889
Short-term debt (d) 1,080
 923
 916
 836
 701
Long-term debt (d) 20,195
 18,326
 19,048
 18,054
 18,269
Common equity (d) 10,761
 9,899
 9,919
 13,628
 12,466
Total capitalization (d) 32,036
 29,148
 29,883
 32,518
 31,436
Financial Ratios          
Return on common equity - % (d)(f) 10.9
 19.2
 5.8
 13.0
 9.8
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (c) 3.1
 3.8
 2.8
 2.8
 2.4
Common Stock Data          
Number of shares outstanding - Basic (in thousands)          
Year-end 693,398
 679,731
 673,857
 665,849
 630,321
Weighted-average 685,240
 677,592
 669,814
 653,504
 608,983
Income from continuing operations after income taxes
available to PPL common shareowners - Basic EPS
 $1.64
 $2.80
 $2.38
 $2.19
 $2.24
Income from continuing operations after income taxes
available to PPL common shareowners - Diluted EPS
 $1.64
 $2.79
 $2.37
 $2.16
 $2.12
Net income available to PPL common shareowners - Basic EPS $1.64
 $2.80
 $1.01
 $2.64
 $1.85
Net income available to PPL common shareowners - Diluted EPS $1.64
 $2.79
 $1.01
 $2.61
 $1.76
Dividends declared per share of common stock $1.58
 $1.52
 $1.50
 $1.49
 $1.47
Book value per share (d) $15.52
 $14.56
 $14.72
 $20.47
 $19.78
Market price per share $30.95
 $34.05
 $34.13
 $36.33
 $30.09
Dividend payout ratio - % (e)(f) 96
 55
 149
 57
 84
Dividend yield - % (g) 5.1
 4.5
 4.4
 4.1
 4.9
Price earnings ratio (e)(f)(g) 18.9
 12.2
 33.8
 13.9
 17.1
Sales Data - GWh          
Domestic - Electric energy supplied - wholesale 2,084
 2,177
 2,241
 2,365
 2,383
Domestic - Electric energy delivered - retail 65,751
 67,474
 67,798
 68,569
 67,848
U.K. - Electric energy delivered 74,317
 74,728
 75,907
 75,813
 78,219

(a)The earnings each year were affected by several items that management considers special. See "Results of Operations - Segment Earnings" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a description of special items in 2017, 2016 and 2015. The earnings for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were also affected by the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and the sale of the Montana hydroelectric generating facilities. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of discontinued operations in 2015.
(b)See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and Notes 1, 6 and 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of uncertainties that could affect PPL's future financial condition.
(c)Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL and its subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on short and long-term debt, amortization of debt discount, expense and premium-net, other interest charges, the estimated interest component of operating rentals and preferred securities distributions of subsidiaries. See Exhibit 12(a) for additional information.
(d)2015 reflects the impact of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and a $3.2 billion related dividend.
(e)Based on diluted EPS.
(f)2015 includes an $879 million loss on the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, reflecting the difference between PPL's recorded value for the Supply segment and the estimated fair value determined in accordance with GAAP. 2015 also includes five months of Supply segment earnings, compared to 12 months in 2014 and 2013.
(g)Based on year-end market prices.


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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
 
Item 6 is omitted as PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.[Reserved]





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Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
(All Registrants)
 
This "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is separately filed by PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU. Information contained herein relating to any individual Registrant is filed by such Registrant solely on its own behalf, and no Registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other Registrant. The specific Registrant to which disclosures are applicable is identified in parenthetical headings in italics above the applicable disclosure or within the applicable disclosure for each Registrant's related activities and disclosures. Within combined disclosures, amounts are disclosed for individual Registrants when significant.
 
The following should be read in conjunction with the Registrants' Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes. Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.
 
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:
 
"Overview" provides a description of each Registrant's business strategy and a discussion of important financial and operational developments.


"Results of Operations" for all Registrants includes a "Statement of Income Analysis," which discusses significant changes in principal line items on the Statements of Income, comparing 20172023 with 2016 and 2016 with 2015.2022. For PPL, "Results of Operations" also includes "Segment Earnings" and "Margins"Earnings," which provideprovides a detailed analysis of earnings by reportable segment. These discussions include the non-GAAP financial measures, includingmeasure "Earnings from Ongoing Operations" and "Margins" and provide explanationsan explanation of the non-GAAP financial measuresmeasure and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measuresmeasure to the most comparable GAAP measure. The "2018 Outlook" discussion identifies key factors expected to impact 2018 earnings. For PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, a summary of earnings and margins is also provided.


"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of the Registrants' liquidity positions and credit profiles. This section also includes a discussion of forecasted sources and uses of cash and rating agency actions.


"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of the Registrants' risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.


"Application of Critical Accounting Policies" provides an overview of the accounting policies that are particularly important to the results of operations and financial condition of the Registrants and that require their management to make significant estimates, assumptions and other judgments of inherently uncertain matters.


For comparison of the Registrants’ results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2021, refer to “Item 7. Combined Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2022 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2023.

Overview
 
For a description of the Registrants and their businesses, see "Item 1. Business."
 
Business Strategy
(All Registrants)

Following the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, PPL completed its strategic transformation to a fullyoperates four regulated business model operating seven diverse, high-performing utilities. These utilities are located in the U.K., Pennsylvania, and Kentucky and each jurisdictionRhode Island. Each of these jurisdictions has differentdistinct regulatory structures and each of the utilities has distinct customer classes. The Company believes this diverse portfolio provides

PPL's strategy, which is supported by the other Registrants and subsidiaries, is to achieve industry-leading performance in safety, reliability, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency; to advance a clean energy transition while maintaining affordability and reliability; to maintain a strong earningsfinancial foundation and dividend growth potential that will create significantlong-term value for its shareownersour shareowners; to foster a diverse and positions PPL well for continued growthexceptional workplace; and success.to build strong communities in areas that we serve.


Central to PPL's businesses of WPD, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU plan to achieve growth by providing efficient, reliable and safe operations and strong customer service, maintaining constructive regulatory relationships and achieving timely recovery of costs. These businesses are expected to achieve strong, long-term growth in rate base in the U.S. and RAV in the U.K., driven by planned significant capital expenditures to maintain existing assets and improve system reliability and, for LKE, LG&E and


36


KU, to comply with federal and state environmental regulations related to coal-fired electricity generation facilities. Additionally, significant transmission rate base growth is expected through at least 2020 at PPL Electric.

For the U.S. businesses, ourother Registrants' strategy is to recoverrecovering capital project costs efficiently through various rate-making mechanisms, including periodic base rate case proceedings using forward test years, annual FERC formula rate mechanisms and other regulatory agency-approved recovery mechanisms designed to limit regulatory lag. In Kentucky, in addition to FERC formula rates, the KPSC has adopted a series of regulatory mechanisms (ECR, DSM, GLT, fuel adjustment clause, and gas


30

supply clauseclause) and recovery on construction work-in-progress)work-in-progress that reduce regulatory lag and provide timely recovery of and return on, as appropriate, prudently incurred costs. In addition, the KPSC requires a utility to obtain a CPCN prior to constructing a facility, unless the construction is an ordinary extension of existing facilities in the usual course of business or does not involve sufficient capital outlay to materially affect the utility's financial condition. Although such KPSC proceedings do not directly address cost recovery issues, the KPSC, in awarding a CPCN, concludes that the public convenience and necessity require the construction of the facility on the basis that the facility is the lowest reasonable cost alternative to address the need. In Pennsylvania, the FERC transmission formula rate,rates, DSIC mechanism, Smart Meter Rider and other recovery mechanisms are in placeoperate to reduce regulatory lag and provide for timely recovery of and a return on, as appropriate, prudently incurred costs. In Rhode Island, FERC formula rates, the gas cost adjustment, net metering, infrastructure, safety and reliability (ISR) and revenue decoupling mechanisms and other rate adjustment mechanisms operate to reduce regulatory lag and provide timely recovery of and return on, as appropriate, prudently incurred costs.


Rate base growth in the domestic utilities is expected to result in earnings growth for the foreseeable future. In 2017, earnings from the U.K. Regulated segment declined mainly due to the unfavorable impact of lower GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rates. RAV growth is expected in the U.K. Regulated segment during the RIIO-ED1 price control period which ends on March 31, 2023 and to result in earnings growth in 2018 through at least 2020. See "Item 1. Business - Segment Information - U.K. Regulated Segment" for additional information on RIIO-ED1.

To manage financing costs and access to credit markets, and to fund capital expenditures, a key objective of the Registrants is to maintain their investment grade credit ratings and adequate liquidity positions. In addition, the Registrants have financial and operational risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage exposure to earnings and cash flow volatility, as applicable, related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and counterparty credit quality. To manage these risks, PPL generally uses contracts such as forwards, options and swaps. See "Financial Condition - Risk Management" below for further information.

Earnings generated by PPL's U.K. subsidiaries are subject to foreign currency translation risk. Because WPD's earnings represent such a significant portion of PPL's consolidated earnings, PPL enters into foreign currency contracts to economically hedge the value of the GBP versus the U.S. dollar. These hedges do not receive hedge accounting treatment under GAAP. See "Financial and Operational Developments - U.K. Membership in European Union" for additional discussion of the U.K. earnings hedging activity.

The U.K. subsidiaries also have currency exposure to the U.S. dollar to the extent of their U.S. dollar denominated debt. To manage these risks, PPL generally uses contracts such as forwards, options and cross-currency swaps that contain characteristics of both interest rate and foreign currency exchange contracts.

As discussed above, a key component of this strategy is to maintain constructive relationships with regulators in all jurisdictions in which we operate (U.K., U.S. federal and state). This is supported by our strong culture of integrity and delivering on commitments to customers, regulators and shareowners, and a commitment to continue to improve our customer service, reliability and operational efficiency.

Financial and Operational Developments

U.S. Tax Reform Talen Litigation (All Registrants)PPL and PPL Electric)


On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed2023, PPL announced that it entered into lawa settlement agreement (Settlement Agreement) with Talen Montana, LLC and affiliated entities (Talen) to resolve all claims made by Talen in Talen Montana, LLC et al. v. PPL Corp. et al, Adv. No 22-09001 pending before the TCJA. Substantially allU.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas and arising out of the provisionsJune 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, which was renamed Talen. Under the terms of the TCJA are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA includes significant changes to the taxation of corporations, including provisions specifically applicable to regulated public utilities. The more significant changes that impact the Registrants are:

The reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, effective January 1, 2018;
The exclusion from U.S. federal taxable income of dividends from foreign subsidiaries and the associated "transition tax;"
Limitations on the tax deductibility of interest expense, with an exception to these limitations for regulated public utilities;
Full current year expensing of capital expenditures with an exception for regulated public utilities that qualify for the exception to the interest expense limitation; and


37


The continuation of certain rate normalization requirements for accelerated depreciation benefits. For non-regulated businesses, the TCJA generally provides for full expensing of property acquired after September 27, 2017.

As a result,Settlement Agreement, PPL expects cash flows at its domestic utilities to decline as the benefit of the lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is passed through to its utility customers. In addition, as PPL is not a current federal tax payer because of available net operating loss carry forwards, there is no immediate corporate cash benefit associated with the lower tax rate. The lack of cash benefit resulted in degradation of PPL’s projected financial credit metrics. In an effort to maintain its current credit rating, PPL, among other things, currently plans to issue about $1 billion of equity in 2018. This compares to PPL's actual 2017 equity issuances of $482 million.

The changes enacted by the TCJA were recorded as an adjustment to the Registrants' deferred tax provision, and have been reflected in "Income Taxes" on the Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Income tax expense (benefit)$321
 $(13) $112
 $
 $

The components of these adjustments are discussed below:

Reduction of U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate

At the date of enactment, the Registrants' deferred taxes were remeasured based upon the new U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. For PPL’s regulated entities, the changes in deferred taxes were, in large part, recorded as an offset to either a regulatory asset or regulatory liability and will be reflected in future rates charged to customers. The rate reduction on non-regulated deferred tax assets and liabilities were recorded as an adjustment to the Registrants' deferred tax provision, and have been reflected in "Income Taxes" on the Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Income tax expense (benefit)$220
 $(13) $112
 $
 $

For PPL's U.S. regulated operations, reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% under the provisions of the TCJA may result in amounts previously collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers over a period of time. The TCJA includes provisions that stipulate how these excess deferred taxes are to be passed back to customers for certain accelerated tax depreciation benefits. Potential refunds of other deferred taxes will be determined by the Registrants’ regulators. The Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 reflect the increase to the Registrants' net regulatory liabilities as a result of the TCJA as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Net Increase in Regulatory Liabilities$2,185
 $1,019
 $1,166
 $532
 $634

Transition Tax

The TCJA included a conversion from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, effective January 1, 2018. In the transition to the territorial regime, a one-time transition tax was imposed on PPL’s unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings in 2017. These earnings were treated as a taxable deemed dividend to PPL of approximately $462 million. As the PPL consolidated U.S. group had a taxable loss for 2017, inclusive of the taxable deemed dividend, the foreign tax credits associated with the deemed dividend were recorded as a deferred tax asset. However, it is expected that under the TCJA, the current and prior year foreign tax credit carryforwards will not be fully realizable.

As a result, the net deferred income tax expense impact of the deemed repatriation was $101paid Talen $115 million and was recordedTalen dismissed all claims against PPL. Separately, PPL and Riverstone mutually agreed to dismiss all remaining claims in "Income Taxes" on the PPL Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 and "Deferred tax liabilities" on the PPL Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017.

a settlement in January 2024. This matter is now concluded. See "Legal Matters" in Note 513 to the Financial Statements for additional information.


U.K. MembershipPurchase of Renewable Tax Credits (PPL)

During 2023, PPL purchased approximately $300 million of renewable tax credits, as allowed by the IRA. The credits were acquired at a discount. PPL believes that it will be able to monetize the acquired credits within the foreseeable future and recorded the associated benefit of the discount as a reduction of income taxes as of December 31, 2023. In addition, PPL recorded a deferred tax asset representing credits that will be utilized in European Union (PPL)future periods.


IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-15 (PPL and LG&E)

On March 29, 2017,April 14, 2023, the U.K. formally notifiedIRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine whether expenses to repair, maintain, replace, or improve natural gas transmission and distribution property must be capitalized for tax purposes. PPL and LG&E are currently reviewing the European Council of the European Union (EU) ofrevenue procedure to determine its intent to withdraw from the EU, thereby commencing the two-year negotiation period to establish the terms of that withdrawal under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Article 50 specifies that if a member state decides to withdraw from the EU, it must notify the European


38


Council of its intention to leave the EU, negotiate the terms of withdrawal and establish the legal grounds for its future relationship with the EU. Article 50 provides two years from the date of the Article 50 notification to conclude negotiations. Failure to complete negotiations within two years, unless negotiations are extended, would result in the treaties governing the EU no longer being applicable to the U.K. with there being no agreement in place governing the U.K.'s relationship with the EU. Under the terms of Article 50, negotiations can only be extended beyond two years if all of the 27 remaining EU states agree to an extension. Any withdrawal agreement will need to be approved by both the European Council and the European Parliament. There remains significant uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of the withdrawal negotiations and the relatedpotential impact on the U.K. economy and the GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rate.their financial statements.


PPL has executed hedges to mitigate the foreign exchange risk to the Company's U.K. earnings. As of February 20, 2018, PPL's foreign exchange exposure related to budgeted earnings is 100% hedged for the remainder of 2018 at an average rate of $1.34 per GBP, 100% hedged for 2019 at an average rate of $1.39 per GBP and 35% hedged for 2020 at an average rate of $1.46 per GBP.

PPL cannot predict either the short-term or long-term impact to foreign exchange rates or long-term impact on PPL's financial condition that may be experienced as a result of the actions taken by the U.K. government to withdraw from the EU, although such impacts could be significant.

Regulatory Requirements


(All Registrants)

The Registrants cannot predict the impact that future regulatory requirements may have on their financial condition or results of operations.
(PPL)

RIIO-2 Framework Review

In July 2017, Ofgem published an open letter commencing its RIIO-2 framework review, which covers all U.K. gas and electricity, transmission and distribution price controls. The purpose of this framework review is to build on lessons learned from the current price controls and to develop a framework that will be adaptable to meeting the needs of an evolving U.K. energy sector.

The letter sets out the context for the development of the next price controls, RIIO-2, and seeks views from stakeholders on the RIIO-2 framework. Responses to the open letter were published in September 2017 and will be used to guide the full RIIO-2 framework consultation which is expected to be published in March of 2018. The promulgation of sector specific price controls will begin with the gas and electricity transmission networks, with electricity distribution price control work scheduled to begin in 2020, at which time Ofgem plans to publish its RIIO-ED2 strategy consultation document.

The current electricity distribution price control, RIIO-ED1, continues through March 31, 2023 and will not be impacted by this RIIO-2 consultation process. PPL cannot predict the outcome of this process or the long-term impact it or the final RIIO-ED2 regulations will have on its financial condition or results of operations.

RIIO-ED1 Mid-period Review

In December 2017, Ofgem initiated a consultation on a potential RIIO-ED1 mid-period review (MPR). The RIIO framework allows for a MPR of outputs halfway through the price control. Ofgem is consulting on three potential approaches:
whether to implement a MPR as currently defined;
whether to implement a MPR with an extension for WPD rail electrification; and
whether to implement a MPR with a significant extension of scope to include financial parameters.

Ofgem’s initial assessment as set forth in its December 2017 consultation publication is that a MPR as currently defined under RIIO-ED1 is not required. In addition, Ofgem recognized that the rail electrification is outside the scope of the MPR and that implementing a MPR to include financial parameters could undermine the stability of the regulatory regime. The consultation, however, requests interested party comments on those conclusions. The period for submission of comments to the consultation closed on February 2, 2018. Formal consultation responses have been submitted by PPL and WPD. A decision on whether to


39


proceed with a MPR is expected in spring 2018. If Ofgem decides to launch a MPR, it will consult on detailed proposals in summer 2018 and any associated changes to DNO licenses would be in place by April 1, 2019. Although, PPL cannot predict the outcome of the consultation process, a MPR is not expected to have a significant impact on PPL's financial condition or results of operations.


(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Environmental Considerations for Coal-Fired Generation

The businesses of LKE, LG&E and KU are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations, including those pertaining to CCRs, GHG, ELGs and the Clean Power Plan.ELGs. See Note 6, Note Notes 7, 13 and Note 19 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of these significant environmental matters. These and other stringent environmental requirements led PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU to retire approximately 800 1,200 MW of coal-fired generating plants in Kentucky primarilysince 2010. As part of the long-term generation planning process, LG&E and KU evaluate a range of factors including the impact of potential stricter environmental regulations, fuel price scenarios, the cost of replacement generation, continued operations and major maintenance costs and the risk of major equipment failures in 2015. Additionally, KU anticipates retiringdetermining when to retire generation assets.

As a result of environmental requirements and aging infrastructure, LG&E has sought and obtained approval to retire two older coal-fired units at the Mill Creek Plant. Mill Creek Unit 1, with 300 MW of capacity, is expected to be retired in 2024. Mill Creek Unit 2, with 297 MW of capacity, is expected to be retired in 2027, subject to certain conditions. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.



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CPCN and SB 4 Application

On December 15, 2022, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC for a CPCN for the construction and purchase of various generating facilities in conjunction with the retirement of four existing coal-fired generation units and three small gas-fired units. On March 24, 2023, Kentucky Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) went into effect, which requires KPSC approval of the retirement of fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in the state. On May 10, 2023, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC seeking approval of the retirement of seven fossil fuel-fired generating units as required by SB 4. On May 16, 2023, the KPSC entered an Order consolidating the SB 4 filing proceeding into the CPCN case.

On November 6, 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving LG&E’s and KU’s requests (i) to construct a 640 MW net summer rating NGCC combustion turbine at LG&E's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County, Kentucky, (ii) to construct a 120 MWac solar photovoltaic electric generating facility in Mercer County, Kentucky, (iii) to acquire a 120 MWac solar facility to be built by a third-party solar developer in Marion County, Kentucky and (iv) to construct a 125 MW, 4-hour battery energy storage system facility at KU's E.W. Brown plant in 2019 withGenerating Station. The KPSC denied the request to construct a combined621 MW net summer rating capacityNGCC combustion turbine at KU's E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County, Kentucky at this time, based on the finding that the construction of 272 MW.this unit should be deferred with the construction date beginning on a date that provides for an in-service date in 2030. The order also authorized LG&E's and KU's entry into the four solar PPAs, subject to certain conditions, but deferred for future proceedings specific decisions on cost recovery treatment or mechanisms. Further, the order approved the new, adjusted or expanded energy efficiency programs contained in the requested 2024-2030 DSM plan.

Also as a resultThe new NGCC facility will be jointly owned by LG&E (31%) and KU (69%) and the solar units will be jointly owned by LG&E (37%) and KU (63%), the battery storage unit will be owned by LG&E, and the proposed PPA transactions and DSM programs will be entered into or conducted jointly by LG&E and KU, consistent with LG&E and KU's shared dispatch, cost allocation, tariff or other frameworks.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Kentucky March 2023 Storm

On March 3, 2023, LG&E and KU experienced significant windstorm activity in their service territories, resulting in substantial damage to certain of the environmental requirements discussed above, LKE projects $828LG&E's and KU's assets with total costs incurred through December 31, 2023 of $74 million ($33533 million at LG&E and $493$41 million at KU) in environmental capital investment over the next five years. See PPL's "Financial Condition - Forecasted Uses of Cash - Capital Expenditures", Note 6 and Note 13 for additional information.

Rate Case Proceedings

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In November 2016,. On March 17, 2023, LG&E and KU filed requestssubmitted a filing with the KPSC requesting regulatory asset treatment of the extraordinary operations and maintenance expenses portion of the costs incurred related to the windstorm. On April 5, 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving the request for increasesaccounting purposes, noting that approval for recovery would be determined in annualLG&E’s and KU’s next base electricity and gas rates. LG&E's and KU's applications included requests for CPCNs for implementing an Advanced Metering System program and a Distribution Automation program.

In April and May 2017,rate cases. As of December 31, 2023, LG&E and KU along with all intervening partiesrecorded regulatory assets related to the proceeding, filed with the KPSC, stipulation and recommendation agreements (stipulations) resolving all issues with the parties. Among other things, the proposed stipulations provided for increases in annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E base electricity rates of $59 million, LG&E base gas ratesstorm of $8 million and $11 million.

FERC Transmission Rate Filing

In 2018, LG&E and KU base electricity ratesapplied to the FERC requesting elimination of $55 million, reflectingcertain on-going waivers and credits to a return on equitysub-set of 9.75%,transmission customers relating to the withdrawal1998 merger of LG&E's and KU's request forparent entities and the 2006 withdrawal of LG&E and KU from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), a CPCN for the Advanced Metering Systemregional transmission operator and other changes to the revenue requirements, which dealt primarily with the timingenergy market. The application sought termination of cost recovery, including depreciation rates.

In June 2017, the KPSC issued orders approving, with certain modifications, the proposed stipulations filed in AprilLG&E's and May 2017. The orders modified the stipulationsKU's commitment to provide certain Kentucky municipalities mitigation for increases in annual revenue requirements associated withcertain horizontal market power concerns arising out of the 1998 LG&E base electricity ratesand KU merger and 2006 MISO withdrawal. The amounts at issue are generally waivers or credits granted to a limited number of $57 million,Kentucky municipalities for either certain LG&E base gas rates of $7 million,and KU base electricity rates of $52 million and incorporated an authorized return on equity of 9.7%. Consistent withor MISO transmission charges incurred for transmission service received. In 2019, the stipulations, the orders approvedFERC granted LG&E's and KU's request for implementing a Distribution Automation program and their withdrawal of a request for a CPCN forto remove the Advanced Metering System program. The orders also approved new depreciation rates forongoing credits, conditioned upon the implementation by LG&E and KU that resulted in higher depreciation of approximately $15 million ($4 milliona transition mechanism for LG&Ecertain existing power supply arrangements, which was subsequently filed, modified, and $11 million for KU) in 2017, exclusive of net additions to PP&E. The orders resulted in base electricity and gas rate increases of 5.2% and 2.1% at LG&E and a base electricity rate increase of 3.2% at KU. The new base rates and all elements of the orders became effective July 1, 2017. On June 23, 2017, the KPSC issued orders establishing an authorized return on equity of 9.7% for all of LG&E's and KU's existing approved ECR plans and projects, replacing the prior authorized return on equity levels of 9.8% for CCR projects and 10% for all other ECR approved projects, effective with bills issued in August 2017. The annual impact of the new authorized return for ECR projects is not expected to be significant.

(LKE and KU)

On September 29, 2017, KU filed a request seeking approval from the VSCC to increase annual Virginia base electricity revenue by $7 million, representing an increase of 10.4%. KU's request is based on an authorized 10.42% return on equity. Subject to regulatory review and approval, new rates would become effective July 1, 2018.

(PPL, LKE and KU)

In October 2016, KU filed a request with the FERC to modify its formula rates to provide for the recovery of CCR impoundment closure costs from its departing municipal customers.in 2020 and 2021. In December 2016, the FERC accepted the revised rate schedules providing recovery of the costs effective December 31, 2016, subject to refund, and established limited hearing and settlement judge procedures relating to determining the applicable amortization period. In March 2017, the parties reached a


40


settlement in principle regarding a suitable amortization period. In June 2017, a FERC judge issued an order implementing the settlement's rates on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2017. In August 2017, the FERC issued a final order approving the settlement.

TCJA Impact on2020, LG&E and KU Rates (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

On December 21, 2017, Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. submitted a complaintother parties filed appeals with the KPSC against LG&E and KU, as well as other utility companies in Kentucky, alleging that their respective rates would no longer be fair, just and reasonable followingD.C. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the enactmentFERC's orders on the elimination of the TCJA reducingmitigation and required transition mechanism. In August 2022, the federal corporate tax rate from 35%D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order remanding the proceedings back to 21%. The complaint requested the KPSC to issueFERC. On May 18, 2023, the FERC issued an order on remand reversing its 2019 decision and requiring LG&E and KU to begin deferring, as of January 1, 2018, the revenue requirement effect of all income tax expense savings resulting from the federal corporate income tax reduction,refund credits previously withheld, including the amortization of excess deferred income taxes by recording those savings in a regulatory liability account and establishing a process by which the federal corporate income tax savings will be passed back to customers.

On December 27, 2017, as a result of the complaint, the KPSC orderedunder such transition mechanism. LG&E and KU to satisfy or addressfiled a petition for review of the complaintFERC's May 18, 2023 order with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and commence recording regulatory liabilities to reflectprovided refunds in accordance with the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate to 21%FERC order on December 1, 2023. The FERC issued an order on LG&E and the associated savings in excess deferred taxesKU’s compliance filing on an interim basis until utility rates are adjusted to reflect the federal tax savings.

On January 8, 2018,November 16, 2023, and LG&E and KU respondedfiled a petition for review of this November 16 order on February 14, 2024. The proceedings at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals were held on abeyance until February 15, 2024, but a motion to hold the complaint, denying certain claims inproceedings on abeyance for an additional 60 days was filed on February 15, 2024, to allow the complaint but concurring that the TCJA will result in savings for their customers.FERC time to substantively address LG&E and KU have stated in their responses that the companies have recorded regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate and the associated savings in excess deferred taxes and will make changes to their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms to begin providing the applicable savings to customers. LG&E and KU also offered to establish a new bill credit mechanism effective with the April 2018 billing cycle to begin distributing the tax savings associated with base rates to customers.

On January 29, 2018, LG&E and KU reached a settlement agreement to commence returning savings related to the TCJA to their customers. The savings will be distributed through their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms beginning in March 2018 and through a new bill credit mechanism from April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019. The estimated impactKU’s request for rehearing of the rate reduction represents approximately $91 million in KU electricity revenues, $69 million in LG&E electricity revenues and $17 million in LG&E gas revenues for the period January 2018 through April 2019. Ongoing tax savings are expected to also be addressed in LG&E's and KU's next Kentucky base rate case. LG&E and KU have indicated their intent to file an application for base rate changes during 2018 to be effective during spring 2019. The settlement agreement is subject to review and approval by the KPSC. An order in the proceeding may occur during the first quarter of 2018.

Additionally, on January 8, 2018, the VSCC ordered KU, as well as other utilities in Virginia, to accrue regulatory liabilities reflecting the Virginia jurisdictional revenue requirement impacts of the reduced federal corporate tax rate.

The FERC has not issued any guidance on the effect on rates of the TCJA. 

November 16 order. LG&E and KU cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings.

TCJA Impact on PPL Electric Rates(PPL and PPL Electric)

The PUC issuedthe proceedings or any other post decision process but do not expect the annual impact to have a Secretarial Letter on February 12, 2018 regarding the TCJA. The Commission is requesting comments from interested parties addressing whether the Commission should adjust current customer rates to reflect the reduced federal income tax expense and, if so, the appropriate negative surcharge or other methodology that would permit immediate adjustment to consumer rates, and whether the surcharge or other said methodology should provide that any refunds to customers due to reduced taxes be effective as of January 1, 2018. In addition, the Secretarial Letter requests certain Pennsylvania regulated utilities, including PPL Electric, to provide certain data related to the effect of the TCJA on PPL Electric’s income tax expense and rate base including whether any of the potential tax savings from the reduced federal corporate tax rate can be used for purposes other than to reduce customer rates. PPL Electric’s responses are due to the PUC not later than March 9, 2018.

The FERC has not issued any guidance on thematerial effect on ratestheir operations or financial condition. LG&E and KU currently receive recovery of the TCJA.

Discontinued Operations (PPL)
The operations of PPL's Supply segment prior to its June 1, 2015 spinoff are included in "Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)" on the 2015 Statement of Income.

certain


41
32


waivers and credits primarily through base rates increases, provided, however, that increases associated with the FERC's May 18, 2023 order are expected to be subject to future rate proceedings.


See Note 8(PPL)

Advanced Metering Functionality (AMF)

In 2021, RIE filed its Updated AMF Business Case and Grid Modernization Plan (GMP) with the RIPUC in accordance with the Amended Settlement Agreement (ASA) approved by the RIPUC in August 2018, and which among other things, sought approval to deploy smart meters throughout the service territory. After PPL completed the acquisition of RIE, RIE filed a new AMF Business Case with the RIPUC in 2022, consisting of a detailed proposal for full-scale deployment of AMF across its electric service territory.

On September 27, 2023, the RIPUC unanimously approved RIE to deploy an AMF-based metering system for the electric distribution business. RIE is authorized to seek recovery of the approved capital investment through the ISR process with an overall multi-year cap on recovery at approximately $153 million, subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations with respect to the Financial Statementspotential offsets and recoverability of certain costs. RIE is required to continue spending even if above the recovery cap, until it achieves the functionalities outlined in the AMF Business Case. RIE filed with the RIPUC (i) an updated electric Service Quality Plan on December 27, 2023 for RIPUC approval and (ii) additional information relatedcompliance tariff provisions regarding recovery and updated cost schedules to reflect the spinoffRIPUC's decision on December 22, 2023 for RIPUC approval. RIE cannot predict the outcome of PPL Energy Supply, including the components of Discontinued Operations.these matters.


Results of Operations


(PPL)
 
The "Statement of Income Analysis" discussion below describes significant changes in principal line items on PPL's Statements of Income, comparing year-to-year changes. The "Segment Earnings" and "Margins" discussions for PPL provide a review of results by reportable segment. These discussions include non-GAAP financial measures, including "Earnings from Ongoing Operations" and "Margins," and provide explanations of the non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of those measures to the most comparable GAAP measure. The "2018 Outlook" discussion identifies key factors expected to impact 2018 earnings.
Tables analyzing changes in amounts between periods within "Statement of Income Analysis," "Segment Earnings" and "Margins" are presented on a constant GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rate basis, where applicable, in order to isolate the impact of the change in the exchange rate on the item being explained. Results computed on a constant GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rate basis are calculated by translating current year results at the prior year weighted-average GBP to U.S. dollar exchange rate.
(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)
A "Statement of Income Analysis, Earnings and Margins" is presented separately for PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU.
The "Statement of Income Analysis" discussion below describes significant changes in principal line items on the Statements of Income, comparing year-to-year changes.2023 with 2022. The "Earnings" discussion"Segment Earnings" discussions provides a summaryreview of earnings. The "Margins" discussion includesresults by reportable segment. These discussions include the non-GAAP financial measure "Earnings from Ongoing Operations" and provide an explanation of the non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measuresthe measure to "Operating Income."the most comparable GAAP measure.


(PPL Electric, LG&E and KU)
A "Statement of Income Analysis" is presented separately for PPL Electric, LG&E and KU. The "Statement of Income Analysis" discussion below describes significant changes in principal line items on the Statements of Income, comparing 2023 with 2022. The results of operations section for PPL Electric, LG&E and KU is presented in a reduced disclosure format in accordance with General Instructions (I)(2)(a) of Form 10-K.



33

PPL: Statement of Income Analysis and Segment Earnings and Margins

Statement of Income Analysis


Net income for the years ended December 31 includes the following results.results:
Change
202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$8,312 $7,902 $410 
Operating Expenses
Operation
Fuel733 931 (198)
Energy purchases1,841 1,686 155 
Other operation and maintenance2,462 2,398 64 
Depreciation1,254 1,181 73 
Taxes, other than income392 332 60 
Total Operating Expenses6,682 6,528 154 
Other Income (Expense) - net(40)54 (94)
Interest Expense666 513 153 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes924 915 
Income Taxes184 201 (17)
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes740 714 26 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)— 42 (42)
Net Income (Loss)$740 $756 $(16)
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating Revenues$7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
 $(70) $(152)
Operating Expenses         
Operation         
Fuel759
 791
 863
 (32) (72)
Energy purchases685
 706
 855
 (21) (149)
Other operation and maintenance1,635
 1,745
 1,938
 (110) (193)
Depreciation1,008
 926
 883
 82
 43
Taxes, other than income292
 301
 299
 (9) 2
Total Operating Expenses4,379
 4,469
 4,838
 (90) (369)
Other Income (Expense) - net(255) 390
 108
 (645) 282
Interest Expense901
 888
 871
 13
 17
Income Taxes784
 648
 465
 136
 183
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes1,128
 1,902
 1,603
 (774) 299
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
 
 (921) 
 921
Net Income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
 $(774) $1,220



42



Operating Revenues

The increase (decrease) in operating revenues was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Domestic:   
PPL Electric Distribution price (a)$53
 $126
PPL Electric Distribution volume(21) (9)
PPL Electric PLR Revenue (b)(16) (135)
PPL Electric Transmission Formula Rate34
 59
LKE Base rates58
 68
LKE Volumes (c)(73) 1
LKE Fuel and other energy prices (d)10
 (81)
LKE ECR10
 39
Other(9) (17)
Total Domestic46
 51
U.K.:   
Price60
 98
Volume(30) (36)
Foreign currency exchange rates(154) (255)
Other8
 (10)
Total U.K.(116) (203)
Total$(70) $(152)

2023 vs. 2022
PPL Electric distribution price (a)Distribution rider prices resulted in an increase of $47 million in 2017 compared with 2016. Distribution rate case effective January 1, 2016, resulted in an increase of $160 million in 2016 compared with 2015.
$58 
PPL Electric distribution volume (b)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was primarily due to lower energy purchase prices.
(68)
PPL Electric PLR (c)Decrease in 2017 compared with 2016 was primarily due to milder weather in 2017.
(61)
PPL Electric transmission formula rate (d)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to lower recoveries of51 
LG&E volumes (b)(37)
LG&E fuel and other energy purchases due to lower commodity costs.(e)(157)
LG&E economic relief billing credit, net of amortization of $012 
KU volumes (b)(60)
KU fuel and other energy purchases (e)(132)
KU economic relief billing credit, net of amortization of $0
Acquisition of RIE (f)796 
RIE energy purchases and other recoveries(63)
RIE capital investment23 
RIE customer bill credits (g)50 
Other(7)
Total$410 


(a)The increase was primarily due to reconcilable cost recovery mechanisms approved by the PAPUC.
(b)    The decreases were primarily due to weather, along with other lower usage in 2023 at PPL Electric.
(c)    The decrease was primarily due to the result of fewer PLR customers, lower customer volumes due to weather and other lower usage, partially offset by higher energy prices.
(d)    The increase was primarily due to returns on additional transmission capital investments and recovery of related depreciation expense, partially offset by a lower PPL zonal peak load billing factor in the first quarter of 2023.
(e)    The decrease was primarily due to lower recoveries of fuel and energy purchases due to lower commodity costs and volumes.
(f)    The increase wasprimarily due to the results for 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.
(g)    See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.


34

Fuel


Fuel expense decreased $32$198 million in 20172023 compared with 20162022, primarily due to a decrease in fuel usage driven by mildercommodity costs of $46 million at LG&E and $89 million at KU and a decrease in volumes due to weather of $15 million at LG&E and $50 million at KU.

Energy Purchases

The increase (decrease) in 2017.energy purchases was due to:

2023 vs. 2022
PPL Electric PLR volumes$(169)
PPL Electric PLR prices92 
PPL Electric alternative energy credits volumes(12)
PPL Electric alternative energy credits prices29 
LG&E commodity costs(52)
LG&E volumes (a)(24)
RIE commodity costs(62)
Acquisition of RIE (b)354 
Other(1)
Total$155 
Fuel decreased $72 million in 2016 compared with 2015
(a)The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in market prices for coal and natural gas.weather.

Energy Purchases

Energy purchases decreased $21 million in 2017 compared with 2016 (b)The increase wasprimarily due to lower PLR pricesthe results for 2023 including a full year of $17 million.RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.

Energy purchases decreased $149 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to a $124 million decrease in PLR prices and a $12 million decrease in PLR volumes at PPL Electric and a $9 million decrease in the market price of natural gas and a $5 million decrease in natural gas volumes at LKE.



43



Other Operation and Maintenance


The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Domestic: 
  
LKE plant operations and maintenance (a)$(2) $(19)
LKE pension expense1
 (12)
PPL Electric payroll-related costs(12) (26)
PPL Electric Act 1299
 (15)
PPL Electric contractor related expenses(4) 7
PPL Electric vegetation management(17) 4
PPL Electric universal service programs(3) 3
Storm costs4
 6
Bad debts(17) (5)
Stock compensation expense5
 (6)
Third-party costs related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Note 8)
 (13)
Separation benefits related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Note 8)
 (8)
Corporate costs previously included in discontinued operations
 8
Other(1) 18
U.K.: 
  
Pension expense (b)(67) (86)
Foreign currency exchange rates(15) (33)
Third-party engineering6
 (8)
Other3
 (8)
Total$(110) $(193)
2023 vs. 2022
(a)Includes a $29 million reduction of costs in 2016 compared with 2015 due to the retirement of Cane Run and Green River coal units partially offset by $5 million of additional costs for Cane Run Unit 7 plant operations.
(b)
LG&E plant operations and maintenance expensesThe decreases were primarily due to increases in expected returns on higher asset balances$(13)
LG&E generation outage expenses(12)
LG&E gas maintenance and lower interest costs.losses expenses(11)
KU plant operations and maintenance(18)
KU generation outage expenses(15)
KU vegetation management expenses(19)
Acquisition of RIE (a)217 
Sale of Safari Holdings (b)(54)
Transition costs associated with RIE81 
Transaction costs associated with RIE(18)
Commitments made during RIE acquisition process (b)(43)
Other(31)
Total$64 


(a)The increase wasprimarily due to the results for 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.
(b)See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.


35

Depreciation


The increase (decrease)Depreciation increased $73 million in depreciation was2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to: to the results for 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Additions to PP&E, net$93
 $76
Foreign currency exchange rates(16) (27)
Depreciation rates (a)15
 
Other(10) (6)
Total$82
 $43

(a)Higher depreciation rates were effective July 1, 2017 at LG&E and KU.

Taxes, Other Than Income

The increase (decrease) in taxes, other than income was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
State gross receipts tax (a)$3
 $11
Domestic property tax expense4
 4
Domestic capital stock tax(6) 
Foreign currency exchange rates(8) (15)
Other(2) 2
Total$(9) $2
2023 vs. 2022
(a)2016 increased compared with 2015 due to the settlement of a 2011State gross earnings and gross receipts tax audit that resulted in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves in 2015.(a)$20 
Property tax expense (a)42 
Other(2)
Total$60 



44


(a)The increases wereprimarily due to the results for 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.



Other Income (Expense) - net

OtherThe increase (decrease) in other income (expense) - net decreased $645 millionwas due to:
2023 vs. 2022
Defined benefit plans - non-service credits (Note 11)$(7)
Interest income28 
AFUDC - equity component
Talen litigation (a)(125)
Other
Total$(94)

(a)See "Legal Matters - Talen Litigation" in 2017 compared with 2016 and increased $282 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily dueNote 13 to changes in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency contracts to economically hedge GBP denominated earnings from WPD.the Financial Statements for additional information.
Interest Expense

The increase (decrease) in interest expense was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Long-term debt interest expense (a)$34
 $63
Short-term debt interest7
 2
Hedging activities and ineffectiveness1
 (4)
Foreign currency exchange rates(26) (43)
Other(3) (1)
Total$13
 $17
2023 vs. 2022
Long-term debt (a)Interest expense increased in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily due to accretion on Index linked bonds at WPD and a$144 
Short-term debt issuance at PPL Electric in May 2017.
Other
Total$153 

Interest expense increased in 2016 compared with 2015
(a)    The increase was primarily due to debt issuancesincreased borrowings at WPD in November 2015, LG&E, and KU, in September 2015PPL Electric, and PPL Capital Funding, in May 2016 as well asalong with higher interest rates on bonds refinanced in September 2015 at LG&E, KU and KU.PPL Capital Funding. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information. The increase was also due to the results for 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.


Income Taxes


The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Change in pre-tax income at current period tax rates$(223) $184
Valuation allowance adjustments (a)20
 (8)
Federal and state tax reserve adjustments (b)
 22
Foreign income tax return adjustments(10) 2
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings net of foreign tax credit (c)89
 (50)
Impact of U.K. Finance Acts (d)33
 42
Deferred tax impact of U.S. tax reform (e)220
 
Stock-based compensation (f)7
 (10)
Other
 1
Total$136
 $183

2023 vs. 2022
(a)Change in pre-tax incomeDuring 2017, PPL recorded an increase in valuation allowances of $23 million primarily related to foreign$(8)
Income tax credits recorded in 2016. The future utilization(a)(19)
Amortization of these credits is expected to be lower as a result of the TCJA.excess deferred income taxes
Other
Total$(17)

During 2017 and 2016,


36


(a)    In addition to credits internally generated, in 2023, PPL purchased approximately $300 million of renewable tax credits, as allowed by the IRA. PPL recorded deferred incomea current tax expense of $16 millionbenefit and $13 million for valuation allowances primarily related to increased Pennsylvania net operating loss carryforwards expected to be unutilized.

During 2015, PPL recorded $24 million of deferred income tax expense related to deferred tax valuation allowances. PPL recorded state deferred income tax expense of $12 million primarily related to increased Pennsylvania net operating loss carryforwards expected to be unutilized and $12 million of federal deferred income tax expense primarily related to federal tax credit carryforwards that are expected to expire as a result of lower future taxable earnings due to the extension of bonus depreciation.
(b)
During 2015, PPL recorded a $9 million income tax benefit related to a planned amendment of a prior period tax return and a $12 million income tax benefit related to the settlement of an IRS audit for the tax years 1998-2011.
(c)During 2017, PPL recorded a federal income tax benefit of $35 million primarily attributable to UK pension contributions.

During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense of $83 million primarily related to enactment of the TCJA. The enacted tax law included a conversion from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, effective January 1, 2018. In the transition to the territorial regime, a one-time transition tax was imposed on PPL’s unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings in 2017. These earnings were treated as a taxable deemed dividend to PPL of approximately $462 million, including $205 million of foreign tax credits. As the PPL consolidated U.S. group had a taxable loss for 2017, inclusive of the taxable deemed dividend, these credits were recorded as a deferred tax asset. However, it is expected that underexpense for the TCJA, only $83utilization of approximately $250 million of the $205 million of foreign tax credits will be realized in the carry forward period. Accordingly, a valuation allowance on the current year foreign tax credits in 2023 and prior years, per the amount of $122 million has been recorded to reflect the reduction in the future utilization of the credits. The foreign tax creditsthree-year carry-back rule.


45


associated with the deemed repatriation result in a gross carryforward and corresponding deferred tax asset of $205 million offset by a valuation allowance of $122 million.

PPL recorded lower income taxes in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily attributable to foreign tax credit carryforwards, arising from a decision to amend prior year tax returns to claim foreign tax credits rather than deduct foreign taxes. This decision was prompted by changes to the Company's most recent business plan.
(d)The U.K. Finance Act 2016, enacted in September 2016, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate effective April 1, 2020 from 18% to 17%. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a $42 million deferred income tax benefit during 2016.

The U.K. Finance Act 2015, enacted in November 2015, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate from 20% to 19% effective April 1, 2017 and from 19% to 18% effective April 1, 2020. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a $90 million deferred income tax benefit during 2015, related to both rate decreases.
(e)During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense for the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(f)During 2016, PPL recorded lower income tax expense related to the application of new stock-based compensation accounting guidance. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.


See Note 56 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

LossIncome (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)

LossIncome from Discontinued Operationsdiscontinued operations (net of income taxes) for 2015 includesdecreased $42 million in 2023 compared with 2022. The decrease was due to an income tax benefit recorded in 2022 related to the results2021 sale of operations of PPL Energy Supply, which was spun off from PPL on June 1, 2015 and substantially represents PPL's former Supply segment.the U.K. utility business. See "Discontinued Operations" in Note 89 to the Financial Statements for summarized results of the operations of the U.K. utility business.
Segment Earnings

PPL's Net Income (Loss) by reportable segments was as follows:
  Change
 202320222023 vs. 2022
Kentucky Regulated (a)$552 $549 $
Pennsylvania Regulated519 525 (6)
Rhode Island Regulated96 (44)140 
Corporate and Other (a)(b)(427)(316)(111)
Discontinued Operations (c)— 42 (42)
Net Income (Loss)$740 $756 $(16)

(a)The financing activity of LKE is presented in Corporate and Other beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change.
(b)Primarily represents financing and certain other costs incurred at the corporate level that have not been allocated or assigned to the segments, which are presented to reconcile segment information to PPL's consolidated results.
(c)See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Segment Earnings

PPL's net income by reportable segments were as follows:
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
U.K. Regulated$652
 $1,246
 $1,121
 $(594) $125
Kentucky Regulated286
 398
 326
 (112) 72
Pennsylvania Regulated359
 338
 252
 21
 86
Corporate and Other (a)(169) (80) (96) (89) 16
Discontinued Operations (b)
 
 (921) 
 921
Net Income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
 $(774) $1,220
(a)Primarily represents financing and certain other costs incurred at the corporate level that have not been allocated or assigned to the segments, which are presented to reconcile segment information to PPL's consolidated results. 2017 includes $97 million of additional income tax expense related to the enactment of the TCJA. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information. 2015 includes certain costs related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(b)As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, substantially representing PPL's former Supply segment, the earnings of the Supply segment prior to the spinoff are included in Discontinued Operations. 2015 includes an $879 million charge reflecting the difference between PPL's recorded value for the Supply segment and its estimated fair value as of the spinoff date, determined in accordance with the applicable accounting rules under GAAP. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Earnings from Ongoing Operations

Management utilizes "Earnings from Ongoing Operations" as a non-GAAP financial measure that should not be considered as an alternative to net income, an indicator of operating performance determined in accordance with GAAP. PPL believes that Earnings from Ongoing Operations is useful and meaningful to investors because it provides management's view of PPL's earnings performance as another criterion in making investment decisions. In addition, PPL's management uses Earnings from Ongoing Operations in measuring achievement of certain corporate performance goals, including targets for certain executive incentive compensation. Other companies may use different measures to present financial performance.


Earnings from Ongoing Operations is adjusted for the impact of special items. Special items are presented in the financial tables on an after-tax basis with the related income taxes on special items separately disclosed. Income taxes on special items, when applicable, are calculated based on the effectivestatutory tax rate of the entity where the activity is recorded. Special items include:may include items such as:


Unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency economic hedges (as discussed below).
Spinoff of the Supply segment.
•    Gains and losses on sales of assets not in the ordinary course of business.


46


•    Impairment charges.
•    Significant workforce reduction and other restructuring effects.
•    Acquisition and divestiture-related adjustments.
•    Significant losses on early extinguishment of debt.
•    Other charges or credits that are, in management's view, non-recurring or otherwise not reflective of the company's ongoing operations.


Unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency economic hedges include the changes in fair value


37



PPL's Earnings from Ongoing Operations by reportable segment were as follows:
   Change
202320222023 vs. 2022
Kentucky Regulated (a)$564 $557 $
Pennsylvania Regulated548 516 32 
Rhode Island Regulated152 65 87 
Corporate and Other (a)(81)(97)16 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$1,183 $1,041 $142 
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
U.K. Regulated$885
 $1,015
 $968
 $(130) $47
Kentucky Regulated395
 398
 343
 (3) 55
Pennsylvania Regulated349
 338
 252
 11
 86
Corporate and Other(76) (77) (74) 1
 (3)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$1,553
 $1,674
 $1,489
 $(121) $185

(a)The financing activity of LKE is presented in Corporate and Other beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change.

See "Reconciliation of Earnings from Ongoing Operations" below for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to Net Income.


U.K. Regulated Segment
The U.K. Regulated segment consists of PPL Global, which primarily includes WPD's regulated electricity distribution operations, the results of hedging the translation of WPD's earnings from GBP into U.S. dollars, and certain costs, such as U.S. income taxes, administrative costs, and certain acquisition-related financing costs. The U.K. Regulated segment represents 58% of PPL's Net Income for 2017 and 41% of PPL's assets at December 31, 2017.
Net Income and Earnings from Ongoing Operations include the following results.
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating revenues$2,091
 $2,207
 $2,410
 $(116) $(203)
Other operation and maintenance272
 344
 477
 (72) (133)
Depreciation230
 233
 242
 (3) (9)
Taxes, other than income127
 135
 148
 (8) (13)
Total operating expenses629
 712
 867
 (83) (155)
Other Income (Expense) - net(261) 386
 123
 (647) 263
Interest Expense397
 402
 417
 (5) (15)
Income Taxes152
 233
 128
 (81) 105
Net Income652
 1,246
 1,121
 (594) 125
Less: Special Items(233) 231
 153
 (464) 78
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$885
 $1,015
 $968
 $(130) $47
The following after-tax gains (losses), which management considers special items, impacted the U.K. Regulated segment's results and are excluded from Earnings from Ongoing Operations. 


47


 Income Statement Line Item 2017 2016 2015
Foreign currency economic hedges, net of tax of $59, $4, ($30) (a)Other Income (Expense) - net $(111) $(8) $55
U.S. tax reform (b)Income Taxes (122) 
 
Settlement of foreign currency contracts, net of tax of $0, ($108), $0 (c)Other Income (Expense) - net 
 202
 
Change in U.K. tax rate (d)Income Taxes 
 37
 78
WPD Midlands acquisition-related adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0, ($1)Other operation and maintenance 
 
 2
Settlement of certain income tax positions (e)Income Taxes 
 
 18
Total  $(233) $231
 $153
(a)Represents unrealized gains (losses) on contracts that economically hedge anticipated GBP-denominated earnings. 2016 includes the reversal of $310 million ($202 million after-tax) of unrealized gains related to the settlement of 2017 and 2018 contracts.
(b)During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense for the enactment of the TCJA. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(c)In 2016, PPL settled 2017 and 2018 foreign currency contracts, resulting in $310 million of cash received ($202 million after-tax). The settlement did not have a material impact on net income as the contracts were previously marked to fair value and recognized in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statement of Income. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(d)The U.K. Finance Acts of 2016 and 2015 reduced the U.K.'s statutory income tax rates. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liability and recognized a deferred tax benefit in 2016 and 2015. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(e)Relates to the April 2015 settlement of the IRS audit for the tax years 1998-2011. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

The changes in the components of the U.K. Regulated segment's results between these periods were due to the factors set forth below, which reflect amounts classified as U.K. Gross Margins, the items that management considers special and the effects of movements in foreign currency exchange, including the effects of foreign currency hedge contracts, on separate lines and not in their respective Statement of Income line items. 
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
U.K. 
  
Gross margins$30
 $62
Other operation and maintenance64
 94
Depreciation(14) (18)
Interest expense(21) (28)
Other(6) (3)
Income taxes11
 (18)
U.S.   
Interest expense and other1
 (2)
Income taxes(10) 41
Foreign currency exchange, after-tax(185) (81)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations(130) 47
Special items, after-tax(464) 78
Net Income$(594) $125
U.K. 

See "Margins - Changes in Margins" for an explanation of U.K. Gross Margins.

Lower other operation and maintenance expense in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to $67 million from higher pension income due to an increase in expected returns on higher asset balances and lower interest costs due to a lower discount rate.

Lower other operation and maintenance expense in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to $86 million from higher pension income due to an increase in expected returns on higher asset balances and lower interest costs due to a change in the discount rate methodology.

Higher depreciation expense in 2017 compared with 2016 and 2016 compared with 2015, primarily due to additions to PP&E, net of retirements.

Higher interest expense in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to higher interest expense on indexed linked bonds.


48



Higher interest expense in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to $16 million higher long-term debt interest expense due to a debt issuance in November 2015 and $12 million higher interest expense on indexed linked bonds.

Lower income taxes in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to decreases of $10 million related to accelerated tax deductions and $7 million from lower U.K. tax rates, partially offset by an increase of $11 million from higher pre-tax income.

Higher income taxes in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to an increase of $21 million from higher pre-tax income, partially offset by a decrease of $7 million from lower U.K. tax rates.

U.S. 

Higher income taxes in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to a $37 million benefit related to foreign tax credit carryforwards in 2016, partially offset by a $29 million tax benefit on accelerated pension contributions made in the first quarter of 2017.

Lower income taxes in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to a benefit related to foreign tax credit carryforwards in 2016.

Kentucky Regulated Segment

The Kentucky Regulated segment consists primarily of LKE'sLG&E's and KU's regulated electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations, of LG&E and KU, as well as LG&E's regulated distribution and sale of natural gas. In addition, certain acquisition-related financing costs are allocated to the Kentucky Regulated segment. The Kentucky Regulated segment represents 25% of PPL's Net Income for 2017 and 35% of PPL's assets at December 31, 2017.


Net Income and Earnings from Ongoing Operations include the following results.
results:
  Change
      Change 20232022 (a)2023 vs. 2022
2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating revenues$3,156
 $3,141
 $3,115
 $15
 $26
Operating Revenues
Fuel759
 791
 863
 (32) (72)
Energy purchases178
 171
 184
 7
 (13)
Other operation and maintenance806
 804
 837
 2
 (33)
Depreciation439
 404
 382
 35
 22
Taxes, other than income65
 62
 57
 3
 5
Total operating expenses2,247
 2,232
 2,323
 15
 (91)
Other Income (Expense) - net(3) (9) (13) 6
 4
Interest Expense261
 260
 232
 1
 28
Income Taxes359
 242
 221
 117
 21
Net Income
Net Income
Net Income286
 398
 326
 (112) 72
Less: Special Items(109) 
 (17) (109) 17
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$395
 $398
 $343
 $(3) $55

(a)The financing activity of LKE is presented in Corporate and Other beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change.

The following after-tax gains (losses), which management considers special items, impacted the Kentucky Regulated segment's results and are excluded from Earnings from Ongoing Operations. Operations:
Income Statement Line Item20232022
Strategic corporate initiatives, net of tax of $0, $3 (a)Other operation and maintenance$(1)$(8)
FERC transmission credit refund, net of tax of $2 (b)Other operation and maintenance(6)— 
Unbilled revenue estimate adjustment, net of tax of $2 (c)Operating Revenues(5)— 
Total$(12)$(8)
 Income Statement Line Item 2017 2016 2015
U.S. tax reform (a)Income Taxes $(112) $
 $
Adjustment to investment, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 (b)Other Income (Expense) - net (1) 
 
Settlement of indemnification agreement, net of tax of ($2), $0, $0 (c)Other Income (Expense) - net 4
 
 
Certain income tax valuation allowances (d)Income Taxes 
 
 (12)
LKE acquisition - related adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 (e)Other Income (Expense) - net ��
 
 (5)
Total  $(109) $
 $(17)

(a)During 2017, LKE recorded deferred income tax expense related to the enactment of the TCJA associated with LKE's non-regulated entities. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(a)Costs incurred related to PPL's corporate centralization efforts.

(b)Prior period impact related to a FERC refund order. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
49


(c)Prior period impact of a methodology change in determining unbilled revenues.


(b)KU recorded a write-off of an equity method investment.
(c)Recorded at LKE and represents the settlement of a WKE indemnification. See Note 13 to the financial statements for additional information.
(d)Recorded at LKE and represents a valuation allowance against tax credits expiring through 2020 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.
(e)Recorded at PPL and allocated to the Kentucky Regulated segment. The amount represents a settlement between E.ON AG (a German corporation and the indirect parent of E.ON US Investments Corp., the former parent of LKE) and PPL for a tax matter.


The changes in the components of the Kentucky Regulated segment's results between these periods were due to the factors set forth below, which reflect amounts classified as Kentucky Gross Margins andexclude the items that management considers special on separate linesspecial.



38

2023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$(352)
Fuel198 
Energy purchases81 
Other operation and maintenance131 
Depreciation(11)
Taxes, other than income(1)
Other Income (Expense) - net— 
Interest Expense(30)
Income Taxes(9)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
Special Items, after-tax(4)
Net Income$

Lower operating revenues in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to a $290 million decrease in recoveries of fuel and notenergy purchases due to lower commodity costs and lower volumes and a $97 million decrease in their respective Statementsales volumes primarily due to weather, partially offset by a $17 million increase due to the expiration of Income line item. the economic relief billing credit in June 2022.

 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Kentucky Gross Margins$29
 $83
Other operation and maintenance
 42
Depreciation(27) (4)
Taxes, other than income(2) (4)
Other Income (Expense) - net1
 (1)
Interest Expense(1) (28)
Income Taxes(3) (33)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations(3) 55
Special Items, after-tax(109) 17
Net Income$(112) $72
Lower fuel expense in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to a $135 million decrease in commodity costs and a $65 million decrease in volumes due to weather.

See "Margins - ChangesLower energy purchases in Margins" for an explanation of Kentucky Gross Margins.2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to a $52 million decrease in commodity costs and a $24 million decrease in volumes due to weather.


Lower other operation and maintenance expense in 20162023 compared with 20152022, primarily due to a $29$31 million reduction of costs as a result of coal units retireddecrease in 2015 at the Cane Run and Green River plants, partially offset by $5 million of additional costs for Cane Run Unit 7 plant operations and $12maintenance expenses, a $27 million of lower pension expense mainly due to higher discount ratesdecrease in generation outage expenses, a $21 million decrease in vegetation management expenses, an $11 million decrease in gas maintenance and deferred amortization of actuarial losses.losses expenses and other items that were not individually significant.


Higher depreciationinterest expense in 20172023 compared with 20162022, primarily due to additions to PP&E, net of retirements, and higher depreciation rates effective July 1, 2017.

Higher income taxes in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily duea $16 million increase related to higher pre-tax income at current period tax rates.interest rates and a $13 million increase related to higher borrowings.


Pennsylvania Regulated Segment

The Pennsylvania Regulated segment includes the regulated electricity transmission and distribution operations of PPL Electric. In addition, certain costs are allocated to the Pennsylvania Regulated segment. The Pennsylvania Regulated segment represents 32% of PPL's Net Income for 2017 and 24% of PPL's assets at December 31, 2017.

Net Income and Earnings from Ongoing Operations include the following results.results:
   Change
 202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$3,008 $3,030 $(22)
Energy purchases992 1,048 (56)
Other operation and maintenance605 605 — 
Depreciation397 393 
Taxes, other than income143 149 (6)
Total operating expenses2,137 2,195 (58)
Other Income (Expense) - net39 35 
Interest Expense223 171 52 
Income Taxes168 174 (6)
Net Income519 525 (6)
Less: Special Items(29)(38)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$548 $516 $32 
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating revenues$2,195
 $2,156
 $2,124
 $39
 $32
Energy purchases 
  
  
  
  
External507
 535
 657
 (28) (122)
Intersegment
 
 14
 
 (14)
Other operation and maintenance571
 601
 607
 (30) (6)
Depreciation309
 253
 214
 56
 39
Taxes, other than income107
 105
 94
 2
 11
Total operating expenses1,494
 1,494
 1,586
 
 (92)
Other Income (Expense) - net16
 17
 8
 (1) 9
Interest Expense142
 129
 130
 13
 (1)
Income Taxes216
 212
 164
 4
 48
Net Income359
 338
 252
 21
 86
Less: Special Items10
 
 
 10
 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$349
 $338
 $252
 $11
 $86



50



The following after-tax gain,gains (losses), which management considers a special item,items, impacted the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's results and isare excluded from Earnings from Ongoing Operations. Operations:


39

Income Statement Line ItemIncome Statement Line Item20232022
PA tax rate change (a)
PPL Electric billing issue, net of tax of $10 (b)
PPL Electric billing issue, net of tax of $0 (b)
Strategic corporate initiatives, net of tax of $1 (c)
Other non-recurring charges, net of tax of $1 (d)
Income Statement Line Item 2017 2016 2015
U.S. tax reform (a)Income Taxes $10
 $
 $
Total $10
 $
 $
Total
Total


(a)During 2017, PPL recorded a deferred income tax benefit for the enactment of the TCJA. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(a)Impact of Pennsylvania state tax reform. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(b)Certain expenses related to billing issues. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(c)Costs incurred related to PPL's corporate centralization efforts.
(d)Certain expenses associated with a litigation settlement.

The changes in the components of the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's results between these periods wereare due to the factors set forth below, which reflect amounts classified as Pennsylvania Gross Margins andexclude the itemitems that management considers special on separate linesspecial.

2023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$(22)
Energy purchases56 
Other operation and maintenance40 
Depreciation(4)
Taxes, other than income
Other Income (Expense) - net
Interest Expense(52)
Income Taxes3
Earnings from Ongoing Operations32 
Special Items, after-tax(38)
Net Income$(6)

Lower operating revenues in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to $68 million of lower distribution volumes primarily related to weather and notother lower usage in their respective Statement2023, $61 million of Income line items.lower PLR, partially offset by $58 million of higher distribution prices and $51 million of transmission formula rate impacts.

 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Pennsylvania Gross Margins$31
 $177
Other operation and maintenance42
 
Depreciation(35) (39)
Taxes, other than income1
 (14)
Other Income (Expense) - net(1) 9
Interest Expense(13) 1
Income Taxes(14) (48)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations11
 86
Special Item, after-tax10
 
Net Income$21
 $86
Lower energy purchases in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to lower PLR volumes of $169 million and lower alternative energy credits volumes of $12 million, partially offset by higher PLR prices of $92 million and higher alternative energy credits prices of $29 million.

See "Margins - Changes in Margins" for an explanation of Pennsylvania Gross Margins.

Lower other operation and maintenance expense for 2017in 2023 compared with 2016to 2022, primarily due to $17 million of lower bad debt expense, $17 million of lower vegetation management expense andexpenses of $19 million, lower other operations expenses of $12 million and lower cancelled projects of lower payroll related$9 million.

Higher interest expense in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to increased borrowings.

Rhode Island Regulated Segment

The Rhode Island Regulated segment consists primarily of the regulated electricity transmission and distribution operations and
regulated distribution and sale of natural gas conducted by RIE.

Net Income (Loss) and Earnings from Ongoing Operations include the following results:


40

Change
  
202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$1,851 $1,038 $813 
Energy purchases658 365 293 
Other operation and maintenance705 531 174 
Depreciation156 92 64 
Taxes, other than income156 92 64 
Total operating expenses1,675 1,080 595 
Other Income (Expense) - net19 23 (4)
Interest Expense83 39 44 
Income Taxes16 (14)30 
Net Income (Loss)96 (44)140 
Less: Special Items(56)(109)53 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$152 $65 $87 

The following after-tax gains (losses), which management considers special items, impacted the Rhode Island Regulated segment's results and are excluded from Earnings from Ongoing Operations:

Income Statement Line Item20232022
Acquisition integration, net of tax of $17, $18 (a)Other operation and maintenance$(65)$(70)
Acquisition integration, net of tax of $0Other Income (Expense) - net— 
Acquisition integration, net of tax of ($2), $10 (b)Operating Revenues(40)
Acquisition integration, net of tax of ($1)Depreciation— 
Acquisition integration, net of tax of $0Interest Expense(1)— 
Total Special Items$(56)$(109)

(a)Primarily includes certain TSA costs for IT systems that will not be part of PPL's ongoing operations. 2022 also includes costs for certain commitments made during the acquisition process.
(b)The 2023 amount relates to the prior period impact of a methodology change for Infrastructure, Safety, and Reliability revenues. The 2022 amount relates to certain commitments made during the acquisition process.

The changes in the components of the Rhode Island Regulated segment's results between these periods are due to the factors set forth below, which exclude the items that management considers special.

2023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$753 
Energy purchases(293)
Other operation and maintenance(180)
Depreciation(67)
Taxes, other than income(64)
Other Income (Expense) - net(3)
Interest Expense(43)
Income Taxes(16)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations87 
Special Items, after-tax53
Net Income$140 

Higher operating revenues in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to $796 million resulting from the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022, and a $23 million increase in capital investments, partially offset by a $63 million decrease in energy purchases and other recoveries.

Higher energy purchases in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to $354 million resulting from the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022, partially offset by a $62 million decrease in commodity costs.



41

Higher other operation and maintenance expense in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to $186 million resulting from the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022 and a $13 million increase in energy efficiency program expenses, partially offset by $19 million of higher corporate service costs allocated to PPL Electric.lower transmission costs.

Other operation and maintenance expense for 2016 was comparableHigher depreciation in 2023 compared with 20152022, primarily due to $26 millionthe results for the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of lower payroll related expenses, partially offset by $8 million of higher corporate service costs allocated to PPL Electric, $8 million of higher costs for additional work done by outside vendors and other costs, which were not individually significant in comparisonRIE operations compared to the prior year.comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022.


Higher depreciation expense for both periods primarily due to transmission and distribution additions placed into service related to the ongoing efforts to replace aging infrastructure and improve reliability, net of retirements.

Higher taxes, other than income for 2016in 2023 compared with 20152022, primarily due to the settlementresults for the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit resultingRIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the reversalacquisition date of $17 million of previously recognized reserves in 2015.May 25, 2022.


Higher interest expense for 2017in 2023 compared with 20162022, primarily due to $29 million resulting from the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of RIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 25, 2022, and $14 million due to increased borrowings and higher interest rates.

Higher income taxes in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the issuanceresults for the full year ended December 31, 2023 including a full year of $475 millionRIE operations compared to the comparable period in 2022, which includes only operations beginning on the acquisition date of 3.950% First Mortgage Bonds in May 2017.25, 2022.


Higher income taxes for both periods primarily due to higher pre-tax income at current period tax rates.

Reconciliation of Earnings from Ongoing Operations

The following tables contain after-tax gains (losses), in total, which management considers special items, that are excluded from Earnings from Ongoing Operations, and a reconciliation to PPL's "Net Income" for the years ended December 31.
 2023
KY
Regulated
PA
Regulated
RI
Regulated
Corporate
and Other
Total
Net Income (Loss)$552 $519 $96 $(427)$740 
Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
    Talen litigation costs, net of tax of $26 (a)— — — (99)(99)
    Strategic corporate initiatives, net of tax of $0, $1, $3 (b)(1)(2)— (10)(13)
    Acquisition integration, net of tax of $14, $58 (c)— — (56)(218)(274)
    Sale of Safari Holdings, net of tax of $0 (d)— — — (4)(4)
    PPL Electric billing issue, net of tax of $10 (e)— (24)— — (24)
    FERC transmission credit refund, net of tax of $2 (f)(6)— — — (6)
    Unbilled revenue estimate adjustment, net of tax of $2 (g)(5)— — — (5)
    Other non-recurring charges, net of tax of $1, $0 (h)— (3)— (15)(18)
Total Special Items(12)(29)(56)(346)(443)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$564 $548 $152 $(81)$1,183 


51


 2017
 U.K.
Regulated
 KY
Regulated
 PA
Regulated
 Corporate
and Other
 Total
Net Income$652
 $286
 $359
 $(169) $1,128
Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:         
Foreign currency economic hedges, net of tax of $59(111) 
 
 
 (111)
Spinoff of the Supply segment, net of tax of ($1)
 
 
 4
 4
Other:         
U.S. tax reform (a)(122) (112) 10
 (97) (321)
Adjustment to investment, net of tax of $0
 (1) 
 
 (1)
Settlement of indemnification agreement, net of tax of ($2)
 4
 
 
 4
Total Special Items(233) (109) 10
 (93) (425)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$885
 $395
 $349
 $(76) $1,553

(a)During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax (expense) benefit related to the enactment of the TCJA.(a)PPL incurred legal expenses related to litigation and settlement with its former affiliate, Talen Montana. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
 2016
 U.K. Regulated KY Regulated PA Regulated Corporate and Other Total
Net Income$1,246
 $398
 $338
 $(80) $1,902
Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:         
Foreign currency economic hedges, net of tax of $4(8) 
 
 
 (8)
Spinoff of the Supply segment, net of tax of $2
 
 
 (3) (3)
Other:

 

 

 

 

Settlement of foreign currency contracts, net of tax of ($108)202
 
 
 
 202
Change in U.K. tax rate37
 
 
 
 37
Total Special Items231
 
 
 (3) 228
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$1,015
 $398
 $338
 $(77) $1,674
 2015
 
U.K.
Regulated
 
KY
Regulated
 
PA
Regulated
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Discontinued
Operations
 Total
Net Income$1,121
 $326
 $252
 $(96) $(921) $682
Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:           
Foreign currency economic hedges, net of tax of ($30)55
 
 
 
 
 55
Spinoff of the Supply segment:           
Discontinued operations, net of tax of $30
 
 
 
 (921) (921)
Transition and transaction costs, net of tax of $6
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
Employee transitional services, net of tax of $2
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
Separation benefits, net of tax of $3
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
Other

 

 

 

 

 

Change in U.K. tax rate78
 
 
 
 
 78
Settlement of certain income tax positions18
 
 
 
 
 18
WPD Midlands acquisition-related adjustment, net of tax of ($1)2
 
 
 
 
 2
Certain income tax valuation allowances
 (12) 
 
 
 (12)
LKE acquisition-related adjustment, net of tax of $0
 (5) 
 
 
 (5)
Total Special Items153
 (17) 
 (22) (921) (807)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$968
 $343
 $252
 $(74) $
 $1,489
Margins
Management also utilizes the following non-GAAP financial measures as indicators of performance for its businesses.
"U.K. Gross Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the electricity distribution operations of the U.K. Regulated segment. In calculating this measure, direct costs such as connection charges from National Grid, which owns and manages the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, and Ofgem license fees (recorded in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income) are deducted from operating revenues, as they are costs passed


52


through to customers. As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from the delivery of electricity across WPD's distribution network in the U.K. and directly related activities.

"Kentucky Gross Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations of the Kentucky Regulated segment, LKE, LG&E and KU, as well as the Kentucky Regulated segment's, LKE's and LG&E's distribution and sale of natural gas. In calculating this measure, fuel, energy purchases and certain variable costs of production (recorded in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income) are deducted from operating revenues. In addition, certain other expenses, recorded in "Other operation and maintenance", "Depreciation" and "Taxes, other than income" on the Statements of Income, associated with approved cost recovery mechanisms are offset against the recovery of those expenses, which are included in revenues. These mechanisms allow for direct recovery of these expenses and, in some cases, returns on capital investments and performance incentives. As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from electricity and gas operations.

"Pennsylvania Gross Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the electricity transmission and distribution operations of the Pennsylvania Regulated segment and PPL Electric. In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved recovery mechanisms, including energy provided as a PLR, are offset with minimal impact on earnings. Costs associated with these mechanisms are recorded in "Energy purchases," "Other operation and maintenance," (which are primarily Act 129 and Universal Service program costs), "Depreciation" (which is primarily related to the Act 129 Smart Meter program) and "Taxes, other than income," (which is primarily gross receipts tax) on the Statements of Income. This performance measure includes PLR energy purchases by PPL Electric from PPL EnergyPlus, which are reflected in "Energy purchases from affiliate" in the 2015 reconciliation table. As a result of the June 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and the formation of Talen Energy, PPL EnergyPlus (renamed Talen Energy Marketing) is no longer an affiliate of PPL Electric. PPL Electric's purchases from Talen Energy Marketing subsequent to May 31, 2015 are reflected in "Energy Purchases" in the reconciliation tables. This measure represents the net revenues from the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's and PPL Electric's electricity delivery operations.

These measures are not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indicator of overall operating performance. Other companies may use different measures to analyze and report their results of operations. Management believes these measures provide additional useful criteria to make investment decisions. These performance measures are used, in conjunction with other information, by senior management and PPL's Board of Directors to manage operations and analyze actual results compared with budget.
Changes in Margins

The following table shows Margins by PPL's reportable segments and by component, as applicable, for the year ended December 31 as well as the changes between periods. The factors that gave rise to the changes are described following the table.
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
U.K. Regulated         
U.K. Gross Margins$1,952
 $2,067
 $2,243
 $(115) $(176)
Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates      (145) (238)
U.K. Gross Margins excluding impact of foreign currency exchange rates      $30
 $62
          
Kentucky Regulated         
Kentucky Gross Margins         
LG&E$910
 $887
 $867
 $23
 $20
KU1,128
 1,122
 1,059
 6
 63
Total Kentucky Gross Margins$2,038
 $2,009
 $1,926
 $29
 $83
          
Pennsylvania Regulated         
Pennsylvania Gross Margins         
Distribution$958
 $960
 $842
 $(2) $118
Transmission487
 454
 395
 33
 59
Total Pennsylvania Gross Margins$1,445
 $1,414
 $1,237
 $31
 $177


53


U.K. Gross Margins
U.K. Gross Margins, excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, increased in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to $81 million from the April 1, 2016 price increase, partially offset by $30 million from lower volumes and $21 million from the April 1, 2017 price decrease, which includes lower true-up mechanisms partially offset by higher base demand revenue.
U.K. Gross Margins, excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, increased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to $166 million from the April 1, 2016 price increase, which included $39 million of the recovery of prior customer rebates, and $21 million of other revenue adjustments in the first quarter of 2016, partially offset by $89 million from the April 1, 2015 price decrease resulting from the commencement of RIIO-ED1 and $36 million from lower volumes.

Kentucky Gross Margins
Kentucky Gross Margins increased in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to higher base rates of $58 million ($32 million at LG&E and $26 million at KU) and gas cost recoveries added to base rates of $5 million at LG&E, partially offset by $41 million of lower sales volumes due to milder weather in 2017 ($15 million at LG&E and $26 million at KU).

The increases in base rates were the result of new rates approved by the KPSC effective July 1, 2017. The gas cost recoveries added to base rates were the result of the transfer of certain GLT expenses into base rates as a result of the 2016 Kentucky rate case. This transfer results in depreciation and other operation and maintenance expenses associated with the GLT program being excluded from margins in the second half of 2017, while the recovery of such costs remain in Kentucky Gross Margins through base rates.
Kentucky Gross Margins increased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to higher base rates of $68 million ($4 million at LG&E and $64 million at KU) and returns on additional environmental capital investments of $13 million at LG&E. The increases in base rates were the result of new rates approved by the KPSC effective July 1, 2015.
Pennsylvania Gross Margins
Distribution
Distribution margins decreased in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to $10 million of lower electricity sales volumes due to milder weather in 2017, partially offset by $7 million of returns on additional Smart Meter capital investments.
Distribution margins increased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to $121 million of higher base rates, effective January 1, 2016 as a result of the 2015 rate case.
Transmission
Transmission margins increased in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to an increase of $51 million from returns on additional transmission capital investments focused on replacing aging infrastructure and improving reliability, partially offset by a $17 million decrease as a result of a lower PPL zonal peak load billing factor which affected transmission revenue in the first five months of 2017.

Transmission margins increased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to returns on additional capital investments focused on replacing aging infrastructure and improving reliability.

Reconciliation of Margins
The following tables contain the components from the Statement of Income that are included in the non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to PPL's "Operating Income" for the years ended December 31. 


54


 2017
 
U.K.
Gross
Margins
 
Kentucky
Gross
Margins
 
PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$2,050
(c)$3,156
 $2,195
 $46
 $7,447
Operating Expenses         
Fuel
 759
 
 
 759
Energy purchases
 178
 507
 
 685
Other operation and maintenance98
 111
 120
 1,306
 1,635
Depreciation
 64
 21
 923
 1,008
Taxes, other than income
 6
 102
 184
 292
Total Operating Expenses98
 1,118
 750
 2,413
 4,379
Total$1,952
 $2,038
 $1,445
 $(2,367) $3,068
 2016
 
U.K.
Gross
Margins
 
Kentucky
Gross
Margins
 PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$2,165
(c)$3,141
 $2,156
 $55
 $7,517
Operating Expenses         
Fuel
 791
 
 
 791
Energy purchases
 171
 535
 
 706
Other operation and maintenance98
 109
 108
 1,430
 1,745
Depreciation
 56
 
 870
 926
Taxes, other than income
 5
 99
 197
 301
Total Operating Expenses98
 1,132
 742
 2,497
 4,469
Total$2,067
 $2,009
 $1,414
 $(2,442) $3,048
 2015
 
U.K.
Gross
Margins
 
Kentucky
Gross
Margins
 PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$2,364
(c)$3,115
 $2,124
 $66
 $7,669
Operating Expenses         
Fuel
 863
 
 
 863
Energy purchases
 184
 657
 14
 855
Energy purchases from affiliate
 
 14
 (14) 
Other operation and maintenance121
 100
 114
 1,603
 1,938
Depreciation
 38
 
 845
 883
Taxes, other than income
 4
 102
 193
 299
Total Operating Expenses121
 1,189
 887
 2,641
 4,838
Total   $2,243
 $1,926
 $1,237
 $(2,575) $2,831
(a)Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)As reported on the Statements of Income.
(c)2017, 2016 and 2015 exclude $41 million, $42 million and $46 million of ancillary activity revenues.

2018Outlook
(PPL)
Higher net income is projected in 2018 compared with 2017. The increase in net income reflects the 2017 unfavorable impact of U.S. tax reform and unrealized losses on foreign currency economic hedges. Excluding these 2017 special items, the increase is primarily attributable to increases in the U.K. Regulated and Pennsylvania Regulated segments. The following projections and factors underlying these projections (on an after-tax basis) are provided for PPL's segments and the Corporate and Other category and the related Registrants.


55


(PPL's U.K. Regulated Segment)

Higher net income is projected in 2018 compared with 2017. The increase in net income reflects the 2017 unfavorable impact of U.S. tax reform and unrealized losses on foreign currency economic hedges. Excluding these 2017 special items, the increase is expected to be driven primarily by higher assumed GBP exchange rates and higher pension income, partially offset by higher taxes.
(PPL's Kentucky Regulated Segment and LKE, LG&E and KU)
Higher net income is projected in 2018 compared with 2017, which reflects the 2017 unfavorable impact of U.S. tax reform.
Excluding this 2017 special item, earnings in 2018 compared with 2017 are projected to be lower, driven primarily by higher operation and maintenance expense, higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense and a lower tax shield on holding company interest and expenses, partially offset by an assumed return to normal weather and higher base electricity and gas rates effective July 1, 2017.

(PPL's Pennsylvania Regulated Segment and PPL Electric)
Higher net income is projected in 2018 compared with 2017, driven primarily by higher transmission earnings and lower operation and maintenance expense, partially offset by higher depreciation expense and higher interest expense.

(PPL's Corporate and Other Category)
Lower costs are projected in 2018 compared with 2017, which reflects the 2017 unfavorable impact of U.S. tax reform. Excluding this 2017 special item, costs are projected to be flat in 2018 compared to 2017, due to a lower tax shield on holding company interest expense offset by lower financing costs.
(All Registrants)
Earnings in future periods are subject to various risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Information," "Item 1. Business," "Item 1A. Risk Factors," the rest of this Item 7, and Notes 1, 6 and 13 to the Financial Statements (as applicable) for additional information.
(b)Represents costs primarily related to PPL's centralization efforts and other strategic efforts.
(c)Rhode Island Regulated primarily includes certain TSA costs for IT systems that will not be part of PPL's ongoing operations. Corporate and Other primarily includes integration and related costs associated with the acquisition of RIE.
(d)Primarily final closing and other related adjustments for the sale of Safari Holdings.
(e)Certain expenses related to billing issues. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(f)Prior period impact related to a discussionFERC refund order. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(g)Prior period impact of a methodology change in determining unbilled revenues.
(h)PA Regulated includes certain expenses related to a litigation settlement. Corporate and Other primarily includes certain expenses related to distributed energy investments.



42

 2022
 KY
Regulated (g)
PA
Regulated
RI
Regulated
Corporate
and Other (g)
Discontinued
Operations (a)
Total
Net Income (Loss)$549 $525 $(44)$(316)$42 $756 
Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
    Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations (a)— — — — 42 42 
    Talen litigation costs, net of tax of $0 (b)— — — — 
    Strategic corporate initiatives, net of tax of $3, $4 (c)(8)— — (15)— (23)
    Acquisition integration, net of tax of $28, $39 (d)— — (109)(148)— (257)
    PA tax rate change (e)— — (4)— 
    Sale of Safari Holdings, net of tax of $16 (f)— — — (53)— (53)
Total Special Items(8)(109)(219)42 (285)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations$557 $516 $65 $(97)$— $1,041 

(a)See Note 9 to the risks, uncertaintiesFinancial Statements for additional information.
(b)PPL incurred legal expenses and factorsreceived insurance reimbursement related to litigation with its former affiliate, Talen Montana. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(c)Costs incurred primarily in connection with corporate centralization efforts.
(d)Rhode Island Regulated includes costs incurred primarily related to certain TSA costs for IT systems that may impact future earnings.will not be part of PPL’s ongoing operations and costs for certain commitments made during the acquisition process. Corporate and Other primarily includes integration and related costs associated with the acquisition of RIE.

(e)Impact of Pennsylvania state tax reform. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(f)Primarily the estimated loss on the sale of Safari Holdings at December 31, 2022.
(g)The financing activity of LKE is presented in Corporate and Other beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change.

PPL Electric: Statement of Income Analysis Earnings and Margins
Statement of Income Analysis


Net income for the years ended December 31 includes the following results.results:
Change
202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues$3,008 $3,030 $(22)
Operating Expenses
Operation
Energy purchases992 1,048 (56)
Other operation and maintenance605 605 — 
Depreciation397 393 
Taxes, other than income143 149 (6)
Total Operating Expenses2,137 2,195 (58)
Other Income (Expense) - net39 30 
Interest Income from Affiliate— (5)
Interest Expense223 171 52 
Income Taxes168 174 (6)
Net Income$519 $525 $(6)
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating Revenues$2,195
 $2,156
 $2,124
 $39
 $32
Operating Expenses         
Operation         
Energy purchases507
 535
 657
 (28) (122)
Energy purchases from affiliate
 
 14
 
 (14)
Other operation and maintenance571
 599
 607
 (28) (8)
Depreciation309
 253
 214
 56
 39
Taxes, other than income107
 105
 94
 2
 11
Total Operating Expenses1,494
 1,492
 1,586
 2
 (94)
Other Income (Expense) - net11
 17
 8
 (6) 9
Interest Income from Affiliate5
 
 
 5
 
Interest Expense142
 129
 130
 13
 (1)
Income Taxes213
 212
 164
 1
 48
Net Income$362
 $340
 $252
 $22
 $88



56



Operating Revenues

The increase (decrease) in operating revenues was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Distribution Price (a)$53
 $126
Distribution volume(21) (9)
PLR (b)(16) (135)
Transmission Formula Rate34
 59
Other(11) (9)
Total$39
 $32

2023 vs. 2022
Distribution Price (a)
Distribution rider prices resulted in an increase of $47 million in 2017 compared with 2016. Distribution rate case effective January 1, 2016, resulted in an increase of $160 million in 2016 compared with 2015.
$58 
Distribution volume (b)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015(68)
PLR (c)(61)
Transmission Formula Rate (d)51 
Other(2)
Total$(22)

(a)The increase was primarily due to lower energy purchase prices as described below.

Energy Purchases

Energy purchases decreased $28 million in 2017 compared with 2016 and $122 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to lower PLR prices.reconcilable cost recovery mechanisms approved by the PAPUC.

Energy Purchases from Affiliate

Energy purchases from affiliate decreased $14 million in 2016 compared with 2015 as a result of the June 1, 2015 PPL Energy Supply spinoff.
Other Operation and Maintenance
(b)The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenancedecrease was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Act 129$9
 $(15)
Universal service programs(3) 3
Contractor-related expenses(4) 7
Vegetation management(17) 4
Payroll-related costs(12) (26)
Corporate service costs19
 8
Storm costs5
 9
Bad debts  (17) (4)
Environmental costs
 (6)
Other(8) 12
Total$(28) $(8)
Depreciation
Depreciation increased by $56 million in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to additional assets placed into service, related to the ongoing efforts to ensure the reliabilityweather and other lower usage in 2023.


43


Depreciation increased by $39 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to additional assets placed into service, related to the ongoing efforts to ensure the reliability of the delivery system and the replacement of aging infrastructure, net of retirements.
Taxes, Other Than Income
Taxes, other than income increased by $11 million in 2016 compared with 2015(c)The decrease was primarily due to the settlementresult of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit that resulted in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves in 2015.fewer PLR customers, lower customer volumes due to weather and other lower usage, partially offset by higher energy prices.



57


Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $13 million in 2017 compared with 2016,(d)The increase was primarily due to the May 2017 issuancereturns on additional transmission capital investments and recovery of $475 million of 3.950% First Mortgage Bonds due 2047.

Income Taxes
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to: 
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Change in pre-tax income at current period tax rates$10
 $58
Depreciation not normalized
 (5)
Deferred tax impact of U.S. tax reform (a)(13) 
Stock-based compensation (b)4
 (6)
Other
 1
Total$1
 $48
(a)During 2017, PPL Electric recorded a deferred income tax benefit related to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)During 2016, PPL Electric recorded lower income taxrelated depreciation expense, related to the application of new stock-based compensation accounting guidance. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Earnings
 2017 2016 2015
Net Income$362
 $340
 $252
Special item, gain (loss), after-tax10
 
 
Excluding special items, earnings increased in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily due to lower operation and maintenance expense and higher transmission margins from additional capital investments, partially offset by a lower PPL zonal peak load billing factor lower distribution sales volumes due to unfavorable weather, higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense and higher income taxes.in the first quarter of 2023.

Earnings increasedEnergy Purchases

Energy purchases decreased $56 million in 20162023 compared with 2015,2022, primarily due to higher base electricity rates for distribution effective January 1, 2016,lower PLR volumes of $169 million and higher transmission margins from additional capital investments,lower alternative energy credits volumes of $12 million, partially offset by higher depreciationPLR prices of $92 million and higher alternative energy credits prices of $29 million.
Interest Expense

Interest expense and the release of a gross receipts tax reserveincreased $52 million in 2015.2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to increased borrowings.

The table below quantifies the changes in the components of Net Income between these periods, which reflect amounts classified as Pennsylvania Gross Margins and an item that management considers special on separate lines within the table and not in their respective Statement of Income line items.
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Pennsylvania Gross Margins$31
 $177
Other operation and maintenance40
 2
Depreciation(35) (39)
Taxes, other than income1
 (14)
Other Income (Expense) - net(1) 9
Interest Expense(13) 1
Income Taxes(11) (48)
Special Item, after-tax10
 
Net Income$22
 $88
Margins
"Pennsylvania Gross Margins" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that management utilizes as an indicator of the performance of its business. See PPL's "Results of Operations - Margins" for information on why management believes this measure is useful and for explanations of the underlying drivers of the changes between periods.


58


The following tables contain the components from the Statements of Income that are included in this non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation to "Operating Income."
 2017 2016
 
PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
 PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$2,195
 $
 $2,195
 $2,156
 $
 $2,156
Operating Expenses           
Energy purchases507
 
 507
 535
 
 535
Other operation and maintenance120
 451
 571
 108
 491
 599
Depreciation21
 288
 309
 
 253
 253
Taxes, other than income102
 5
 107
 99
 6
 105
Total Operating Expenses750
 744
 1,494
 742
 750
 1,492
Total   $1,445
 $(744) $701
 $1,414
 $(750) $664
 2015
 PA
Gross
Margins
 Other (a) 
Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$2,124
 $
 $2,124
Operating Expenses     
Energy purchases657
 
 657
Energy purchases from affiliate14
 
 14
Other operation and maintenance114
 493
 607
Depreciation
 214
 214
Taxes, other than income102
 (8) 94
Total Operating Expenses887
 699
 1,586
Total   $1,237
 $(699) $538
(a)Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)As reported on the Statements of Income.

LKE: Statement of Income Analysis, Earnings and Margins
LG&E: Statement of Income Analysis
 
Net income for the years ended December 31 includes the following results.results:
Change
202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues
Retail and wholesale$1,580 $1,762 $(182)
Electric revenue from affiliate33 36 (3)
Total Operating Revenues1,613 1,798 (185)
Operating Expenses
Operation
Fuel286 346 (60)
Energy purchases168 245 (77)
Energy purchases from affiliates12 25 (13)
Other operation and maintenance364 416 (52)
Depreciation302 298 
Taxes, other than income48 48 — 
Total Operating Expenses1,180 1,378 (198)
Other Income (Expense) - net(1)
Interest Income from Affiliates— 
Interest Expense102 89 13 
Income Taxes69 63 
Net Income$266 $272 $(6)
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating Revenues$3,156
 $3,141
 $3,115
 $15
 $26
Operating Expenses         
Operation         
Fuel759
 791
 863
 (32) (72)
Energy purchases178
 171
 184
 7
 (13)
Other operation and maintenance806
 804
 837
 2
 (33)
Depreciation439
 404
 382
 35
 22
Taxes, other than income65
 62
 57
 3
 5
Total Operating Expenses2,247
 2,232
 2,323
 15
 (91)
Other Income (Expense) - net(3) (9) (8) 6
 (1)
Interest Expense197
 197
 178
 
 19
Interest Expense with Affiliate18
 17
 3
 1
 14
Income Taxes375
 257
 239
 118
 18
Net Income$316
 $429
 $364
 $(113) $65


59




Operating Revenues
 
The increase (decrease) in operating revenues was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Base rates$58
 $68
Volumes (a)(73) 1
Fuel and other energy prices (b)10
 (81)
ECR10
 39
Other10
 (1)
Total$15
 $26

2023 vs. 2022
Fuel and other energy purchases (a)Decrease in 2017 compared with 2016 was primarily due to milder weather in 2017.
$(160)
Volumes (b)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to lower recoveries(37)
Economic relief billing credit, net of fuel due to lower commodity costs.amortization of $012 
Total$(185)


(a)The decrease was primarily due to lower recoveries of fuel and energy purchases due to lower commodity costs and volumes.
(b)The decrease was primarily due to weather.

Fuel


Fuel expense decreased $32$60 million in 20172023 compared with 20162022, primarily due to a $46 million decrease in fuel usage driven by milder weathercommodity costs and a $15 million decrease in 2017.volumes primarily due to weather.


Fuel


44

Energy Purchases

Energy purchases decreased $72$77 million in 20162023 compared with 20152022, primarily due to a $52 million decrease in market prices for coalcommodity costs and natural gas.a $24 million decrease in volumes primarily due to weather.


Other Operation and Maintenance


The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Plant operations and maintenance (a)$(2) $(19)
Pension expense1
 (12)
Timing and scope of scheduled generation maintenance outages(1) (5)
Storm costs(1) (3)
Bad debts
 (1)
Energy efficiency programs
 5
Other5
 2
Total$2
 $(33)
(a)2023 vs. 2022Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to a $29 million reduction of costs in 2016 due to the retirement of Cane Run
Plant operation and Green River coal units partially offset by $5 million of additional costs for Cane Run Unit 7 plant operations.maintenance expenses$(13)
Transmission credits
Generation outage expenses(12)
Vegetation management expenses(2)
Gas maintenance and losses expenses(11)
Bad debt expense(3)
Other(14)
Total$(52)
Depreciation

Interest Expense
Depreciation
Interest expense increased $35$13 million in 20172023 compared with 20162022, primarily due to a $19 million increase related to additions to PP&E, net of retirements, and a $15$6 million increase related to higher depreciation rates effective July 1, 2017.

Depreciation increased $22borrowings and a $6 million in 2016 compared with 2015 due to additions to PP&E, net of retirements.

Income Taxes

The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Change in pre-tax income at current period tax rates$2
 $32
Certain income tax valuation allowances
 (12)
U.S. tax reform (a)112
 
Other4
 (2)
Total$118
 $18



60




(a)During 2017, LKE recorded deferred tax expense related to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA associated with LKE's non-regulated entities.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Earnings
 2017 2016 2015
Net Income  $316
 $429
 $364
Special items, gains (losses), after-tax(109) 
 (12)
Excluding special items, earnings decreased in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to lower sales volumes driven by milder weather in 2017 and higher depreciation expense, partially offset by higher base electricity and gas rates effective July 1, 2017.

Excluding special items, earnings increased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to higher base electricity rates effective July 1, 2015, returns on additional environmental capital investments and lower other operation and maintenance expense partially offset by higher interest expense.rates.


The table below quantifies the changes in the components of Net Income between these periods, which reflect amounts classified as Margins and an item that management considers special on separate lines and not in their respective Statement of Income line items.

 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Margins$29
 $83
Other operation and maintenance
 42
Depreciation(27) (4)
Taxes, Other than income(2) (4)
Other Income (Expense) - net1
 (1)
Interest Expense(1) (33)
Income Taxes(4) (30)
Special items, gains (losses), after-tax (a)(109) 12
Net Income$(113) $65

(a)See PPL's "Results of Operations - Segment Earnings - Kentucky Regulated Segment" for details of the special items.
Margins
"Margins" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that management utilizes as an indicator of the performance of its business. See PPL's "Results of Operations - Margins" for an explanation of why management believes this measure is useful and the factors underlying changes between periods. Within PPL's discussion, LKE's Margins are referred to as "Kentucky Gross Margins."
The following tables contain the components from the Statements of Income that are included in this non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation to "Operating Income" for the periods ended December 31. 
 2017 2016
 Margins Other (a) Operating Income (b) Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$3,156
 $
 $3,156
 $3,141
 $
 $3,141
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel759
 
 759
 791
 
 791
Energy purchases178
 
 178
 171
 
 171
Other operation and maintenance111
 695
 806
 109
 695
 804
Depreciation64
 375
 439
 56
 348
 404
Taxes, other than income6
 59
 65
 5
 57
 62
Total Operating Expenses1,118
 1,129
 2,247
 1,132
 1,100
 2,232
Total   $2,038
 $(1,129) $909
 $2,009
 $(1,100) $909


61




 2015
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$3,115
 $
 $3,115
Operating Expenses
 
 
Fuel863
 
 863
Energy purchases184
 
 184
Other operation and maintenance100
 737
 837
Depreciation38
 344
 382
Taxes, other than income4
 53
 57
Total Operating Expenses1,189
 1,134
 2,323
Total   $1,926
 $(1,134) $792
(a)Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)As reported on the Statements of Income.
LG&E: Statement of Income Analysis, Earnings and Margins
KU: Statement of Income Analysis
 
Net income for the years ended December 31 includes the following results.results:
Change
202320222023 vs. 2022
Operating Revenues
Retail and wholesale$1,872 $2,049 $(177)
Electric revenue from affiliate12 25 (13)
Total Operating Revenues1,884 2,074 (190)
Operating Expenses
Operation
Fuel447 585 (138)
Energy purchases24 28 (4)
Energy purchases from affiliates33 36 (3)
Other operation and maintenance427 487 (60)
Depreciation392 386 
Taxes, other than income45 45 — 
Total Operating Expenses1,368 1,567 (199)
Other Income (Expense) - net— 
Interest Expense134 117 17 
Interest Expense from Affiliate— 
Income Taxes77 76 
Net Income$312 $322 $(10)
       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating Revenues         
Retail and wholesale$1,422
 $1,406
 $1,407
 $16
 $(1)
Electric revenue from affiliate31
 24
 37
 7
 (13)
Total Operating Revenues1,453
 1,430
 1,444
 23
 (14)
Operating Expenses         
Operation         
Fuel292
 301
 329
 (9) (28)
Energy purchases160
 153
 166
 7
 (13)
Energy purchases from affiliates10
 14
 20
 (4) (6)
Other operation and maintenance355
 355
 377
 
 (22)
Depreciation183
 170
 162
 13
 8
Taxes, other than income33
 32
 28
 1
 4
Total Operating Expenses1,033
 1,025
 1,082
 8
 (57)
Other Income (Expense) - net(5) (5) (6) 
 1
Interest Expense71
 71
 57
 
 14
Income Taxes131
 126
 114
 5
 12
Net Income$213
 $203
 $185
 $10
 $18


Operating Revenues

The increase (decrease) in operating revenues was due to:

 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Base rates$32
 $4
Volumes (a)(20) (8)
Fuel and other energy prices (b)
 (36)
ECR5
 26
Other6
 
Total$23
 $(14)


45
(a)Decrease in 2017 compared with 2016 was primarily due to milder weather in 2017.
(b)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to lower recoveries of fuel due to lower commodity costs.



62


2023 vs. 2022
Fuel and other energy purchases (a)$(144)
Volumes (b)(60)
Economic relief billing credit, net of amortization $0
Other
Total$(190)

(a)The decrease was primarily due to lower recoveries of fuel and energy purchases due to lower commodity costs and volumes.
(b)The decrease was primarily due to weather.

Fuel


Fuel expense decreased $28$138 million in 20162023 compared with 20152022, primarily due to a $24$89 million decrease in market prices for coalcommodity costs and natural gas.a $50 million decrease in volumes primarily due to weather.


Other Operation and Maintenance


The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Plant operations and maintenance (a)$(1) $(21)
Pension expense1
 (6)
Timing and scope of scheduled generation maintenance outages
 3
Storm costs(1) (2)
Energy efficiency programs
 2
Other1
 2
Total$
 $(22)
2023 vs. 2022
(a)Plant operation and maintenance expensesDecrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to a $23 million reduction of costs in 2016 due to the retirement of Cane Run coal units.$(18)
Transmission credits10 
Generation outage expenses(15)
Vegetation management expenses(19)
Bad debt expense(3)
Other(15)
Total$(60)


Interest Expense
 
Interest expense increased $14$17 million in 20162023 compared with 2015 primarily due to the issuance of $300 million of incremental First Mortgage Bonds in September 2015 and higher interest rates on $250 million of First Mortgage Bonds refinanced by LG&E.
Earnings
 2017 2016 2015
Net Income  $213
 $203
 $185
Special items, gains (losses), after-tax (a)
 
 

(a)There are no items management considers special for the periods presented.

Earnings in 2017 compared with 2016 increased primarily due to higher base electricity and gas rates effective July 1, 2017, partially offset by lower sales volumes driven by milder weather in 2017 and higher depreciation expense.

Earnings in 2016 compared with 2015 increased primarily due to returns on additional environmental capital investments and lower other operation and maintenance expense, partially offset by higher interest expense.

The table below quantifies the changes in the components of Net Income between these periods, which reflect amounts classified as Margins on a separate line and not in their respective Statement of Income line items. 
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Margins$23
 $20
Other operation and maintenance2
 23
Depreciation(10) 3
Taxes, other than income
 (3)
Other Income (Expense) - net
 1
Interest Expense
 (14)
Income Taxes(5) (12)
Net Income$10
 $18
Margins
"Margins" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that management utilizes as an indicator of the performance of its business. See PPL's "Results of Operations - Margins" for an explanation of why management believes this measure is useful


63




and the underlying drivers of the changes between periods. Within PPL's discussion, LG&E's Margins are included in "Kentucky Gross Margins."
The following tables contain the components from the Statements of Income that are included in this non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation to "Operating Income" for the periods ended December 31.
 2017 2016
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$1,453
 $
 $1,453
 $1,430
 $
 $1,430
Operating Expenses           
Fuel292
 
 292
 301
 
 301
Energy purchases170
 
 170
 167
 
 167
Other operation and maintenance45
 310
 355
 43
 312
 355
Depreciation32
 151
 183
 29
 141
 170
Taxes, other than income4
 29
 33
 3
 29
 32
Total Operating Expenses543
 490
 1,033
 543
 482
 1,025
Total   $910
 $(490) $420
 $887
 $(482) $405
 2015
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$1,444
 $
 $1,444
Operating Expenses     
Fuel329
 
 329
Energy purchases186
 
 186
Other operation and maintenance42
 335
 377
Depreciation18
 144
 162
Taxes, other than income2
 26
 28
Total Operating Expenses577
 505
 1,082
Total   $867
 $(505) $362
(a)Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)
As reported on the Statements of Income.



64




KU: Statement of Income Analysis, Earnings and Margins
Statement of Income Analysis
Net income for the years ended December 31 includes the following results.

       Change
 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Operating Revenues         
Retail and wholesale$1,734
 $1,735
 $1,708
 $(1) $27
Electric revenue from affiliate10
 14
 20
 (4) (6)
Total Operating Revenues1,744
 1,749
 1,728
 (5) 21
Operating Expenses         
Operation         
Fuel467
 490
 534
 (23) (44)
Energy purchases18
 18
 18
 
 
Energy purchases from affiliates31
 24
 37
 7
 (13)
Other operation and maintenance424
 424
 435
 
 (11)
Depreciation255
 234
 220
 21
 14
Taxes, other than income32
 30
 29
 2
 1
Total Operating Expenses1,227
 1,220
 1,273
 7
 (53)
Other Income (Expense) - net(3) (5) 1
 2
 (6)
Interest Expense96
 96
 82
 
 14
Income Taxes159
 163
 140
 (4) 23
Net Income$259
 $265
 $234
 $(6) $31

Operating Revenue

The increase (decrease) in operating revenue was due to:
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Base rates$26
 $64
Volumes (a)(48) (8)
Fuel and other energy prices (b)8
 (47)
ECR5
 13
Other4
 (1)
Total$(5) $21

(a)Decrease in 2017 compared with 2016 was primarily due to milder weather in 2017.
(b)Decrease in 2016 compared with 2015 was due to lower recoveries of fuel due to lower commodity costs.

Fuel

Fuel decreased $23 million in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to a $31 million decrease in fuel usage driven by milder weather in 2017, partially offset by an $8 million increase in market prices for natural gas.
Fuel decreased $44 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to a $46 million decrease in market prices for coal and natural gas.

Depreciation
Depreciation increased $21 million in 2017 compared with 20162022, primarily due to an $11$8 million increase related to higher depreciationinterest rates effective July 1, 2017, and a $9$7 million increase related to additions to PP&E, net of retirements.higher borrowings.




65




Income Taxes
Income taxes increased $23 million in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to higher pre-tax income at current period tax rates.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Earnings
 2017 2016 2015
Net Income$259
 $265
 $234
Special items, gains (losses), after tax(1) 
 

Excluding special items, earnings in 2017 compared with 2016 decreased primarily due to lower electricity sales volumes driven by milder weather in 2017 and higher depreciation expense, partially offset by higher base electricity rates effective July 1, 2017.

Excluding special items, earnings in 2016 compared with 2015 increased primarily due to higher base electricity rates effective July 1, 2015 and lower other operation and maintenance expense partially offset by higher interest expense.
The table below quantifies the changes in the components of Net Income between these periods, which reflect amounts classified as Margins on separate line and not in their respective Statement of Income line items.
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Margins$6
 $63
Other operation and maintenance
 19
Depreciation(16) (7)
Taxes, Other than income(2) (1)
Other Income (Expense) - net3
 (6)
Interest Expense
 (14)
Income Taxes4
 (23)
Special items, gains (losses), after-tax (a)(1) 
Net Income$(6) $31
(a)See PPL's "Results of Operations - Segment Earnings - Kentucky Regulated Segment" for details of the special item.

Margins
"Margins" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that management utilizes as an indicator of the performance of its business. See PPL's "Results of Operations - Margins" for an explanation of why management believes this measure is useful and the factors underlying changes between periods. Within PPL's discussion, KU's Margins are included in "Kentucky Gross Margins."
The following tables contain the components from the Statements of Income that are included in this non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation to "Operating Income."
 2017 2016
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$1,744
 $
 $1,744
 $1,749
 $
 $1,749
Operating Expenses           
Fuel467
 
 467
 490
 
 490
Energy purchases49
 
 49
 42
 
 42
Other operation and maintenance66
 358
 424
 66
 358
 424
Depreciation32
 223
 255
 27
 207
 234
Taxes, other than income2
 30
 32
 2
 28
 30
Total Operating Expenses616
 611
 1,227
 627
 593
 1,220
Total   $1,128
 $(611) $517
 $1,122
 $(593) $529


66




 2015
 Margins Other (a) Operating
Income (b)
Operating Revenues$1,728
 $
 $1,728
Operating Expenses     
Fuel534
 
 534
Energy purchases55
 
 55
Other operation and maintenance58
 377
 435
Depreciation20
 200
 220
Taxes, other than income2
 27
 29
Total Operating Expenses669
 604
 1,273
Total   $1,059
 $(604) $455
(a)Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)As reported on the Statements of Income.
Financial Condition
 
The remainder of this Item 7 in this Form 10-K is presented on a combined basis, providing information, as applicable, for all Registrants.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

(All Registrants)

The Registrants' cash flows from operations and access to cost effectivecost-effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could affect the Registrants' cash flows.

The Registrants had the following at:


46

PPLPPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023  
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term debt
Short-term debt
Short-term debt
Long-term debt due within one year
Notes payable with affiliates
PPL (a) 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
December 31, 2017 
  
  
  
  
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022   
Cash and cash equivalents$485
 $49
 $30
 $15
 $15
Short-term debt1,080
 
 244
 199
 45
Long-term debt due within one year348
 
 98
 98
 
Notes payable with affiliates  
 225
 
 
         
December 31, 2016 
    
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$341
 $13
 $13
 $5
 $7
Short-term debt923
 295
 185
 169
 16
Long-term debt due within one year518
 224
 194
 194
 
Notes payable with affiliates  
 163
 
 
         
December 31, 2015 
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$836
 $47
 $30
 $19
 $11
Short-term debt916
 
 265
 142
 48
Long-term debt due within one year485
 
 25
 25
 
Notes payables with affiliates  
 54
 
 
(a)At December 31, 2017, $58 million of cash and cash equivalents were denominated in GBP. If these amounts would be remitted as dividends, PPL would not anticipate an incremental U.S. tax cost. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on undistributed earnings of WPD.


(PPL)

The Statements of Cash Flows separately report the cash flows of the discontinued operations. The "Operating Activities," "Investing Activities" and "Financing Activities" sections below include only the cash flows of continuing operations.



67





(All Registrants)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31 and the changes between periods were as follows. follows:
PPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
2023    
Operating activities$1,758 $912 $609 $647 
Investing activities(2,383)(958)(378)(566)
Financing activities650 72 (280)(64)
2022    
Operating activities$1,730 $757 $543 $661 
Investing activities(5,654)(387)(360)(547)
Financing activities709 (366)(99)(106)
2023 vs. 2022 Change    
Operating activities$28 $155 $66 $(14)
Investing activities3,271 (571)(18)(19)
Financing activities(59)438 (181)42 
 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2017         
Operating activities$2,461
 $880
 $1,099
 $512
 $634
Investing activities(3,156) (1,252) (888) (458) (428)
Financing activities824
 408
 (194) (44) (198)
          
2016         
Operating activities$2,890
 $872
 $1,027
 $482
 $606
Investing activities(2,918) (1,130) (790) (439) (349)
Financing activities(439) 224
 (254) (57) (261)
          
2015         
Operating activities$2,272
 $602
 $1,063
 $554
 $608
Investing activities(3,439) (1,108) (1,203) (689) (512)
Financing activities482
 339
 149
 144
 (96)
          
2017 vs. 2016 Change         
Operating activities$(429) $8
 $72
 $30
 $28
Investing activities(238) (122) (98) (19) (79)
Financing activities1,263
 184
 60
 13
 63
          
2016 vs. 2015 Change         
Operating activities$618
 $270
 $(36) $(72) $(2)
Investing activities521
 (22) 413
 250
 163
Financing activities(921) (115) (403) (201) (165)

Operating Activities

The components of the change in cash provided by (used in) operating activities were as follows. follows:
PPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
2023 vs. 2022    
Change - Cash Provided (Used):    
Net income$26 $(6)$(6)$(10)
Non-cash components81 (54)(6)(10)
Working capital253 158 81 28 
Defined benefit plan funding(1)(5)
Other operating activities(331)62 (6)(23)
Total$28 $155 $66 $(14)


 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2017 vs. 2016         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Net income$(774) $22
 $(113) $10
 $(6)
Non-cash components363
 100
 31
 (8) 42
Working capital38
 (87) 93
 (33) (14)
Defined benefit plan funding(138) (24) 50
 42
 (3)
Other operating activities82
 (3) 11
 19
 9
Total$(429) $8
 $72
 $30
 $28
          
2016 vs. 2015         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Net income$299
 $88
 $65
 $18
 $31
Non-cash components195
 40
 66
 20
 (20)
Working capital47
 101
 (206) (100) (51)
Defined benefit plan funding72
 33
 (15) (20) 1
Other operating activities5
 8
 54
 10
 37
Total$618
 $270
 $(36) $(72) $(2)


47

68



(PPL)

PPL had a $429 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in 20172023 increased $28 million compared with 2016.2022.
Net income declined $774increased $26 million between periods and included an increase in net non-cash benefitscharges of $363$81 million. The increase in net non-cash benefitscharges was primarily due to an increase in unrealized losses on hedging activities,depreciation (primarily due to the acquisition of RIE) and an increase in deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (primarily due to the impact of the TCJA) and an increase in depreciation expense (primarily due to additional assets placed into service, net of retirements, and higher depreciation rates at LG&E and KU effective July 1, 2017, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency at WPD)book versus tax plant timing differences), partially offset by an increase in the U.K. net periodic defined benefit creditsplans income (primarily due to a decreasehigher expected return) and loss on sale of Safari Holdings in the U.K. pension plan discount rates used to calculate the interest cost component of the net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) and increase in expected returns).2022.


The $38 million increase in cash from changes in working capital was primarily due a decrease in net regulatory assets and liabilities (due to timing of rate recovery mechanisms), a decrease in fuel, materials and supplies (primarily due to a decrease in fuel purchases due to lower generation driven by milder weather in 2017 compared to 2016) and a decrease in unbilled revenue (primarily due to lower growth in volumes in 2017 compared to 2016), partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable (due to timing of payments), a decrease in taxes payable (primarily due to the timing of payments) and an increase in accounts receivable.

Defined benefit plan funding was $138 million higher in 2017. The increase was primarily due to the acceleration of WPD's contributions to its U.K. pension plans.

PPL had a $618 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in 2016 compared with 2015.
Net income improved by $299 million between the periods. This included an additional $195 million of net non-cash benefits, including a $132 million increase in deferred income taxes and $96 million of lower unrealized gains on hedging activity (primarily due to the settlement of hedges in the third quarter of 2016) partially offset by a $96 million increase in defined benefit plan income (primarily due to an increase in estimated returns on higher asset balances and lower interest costs due to a change in the discount rate for the U.K. pension plans).

The $47$253 million increase in cash from changes in working capital was primarily due to an increase in taxes payable (due to timing of payments) and an increase in accounts payable (primarily due to timing of payments), partially offset by an increasea decrease in unbilled revenues (primarily due to favorable weather compared to December 2015), an increase in net regulatory assets/liabilities (due to timing ofand rate recovery mechanisms) and an increase in accounts receivable (primarily due to increased volumes and favorable weather in 2016).

Defined benefit plan funding was $72 million lower in 2016.

(PPL Electric)

PPL Electric had an $8 million increase in cash providedother current liabilities, partially offset by operating activities in 2017 compared with 2016.
Net income improved by $22 million between the periods. This included an additional $100 million of net non-cash benefits primarily due to a $56 million increase in depreciation expense (primarily due to additional assets placed into service, related to the ongoing efforts to ensure the reliability of the delivery system and the replacement of aging infrastructure as well as the roll-out of the Act 129 Smart Meter program, net of retirements) and a $37 million increase in deferred income taxes (primarily due to book versus tax plant timing differences).

The $87 million decrease in cash from changes in working capital was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable (primarily due to a 2017 federal income tax benefit refund, not yet received), a decrease in accounts payable (primarily due to timing of payments) and an increase in prepayments (primarily due to an increase in the 2017 gross receipts tax prepayment compared to 2016), partially offset by anpricing).

The $331 million decrease in net regulatory assets and liabilities (due to timing of rate recovery mechanisms) andcash provided by other operating activities was driven by a decrease in unbilled revenuenon-current liabilities (primarily due to lower growth in volumes in 2017 compared to 2016).

Pension funding was $24 million higher in 2017 due to contributions made in 2017related to the purchase of renewable tax credits in 2023).

(PPL Retirement Plan.Electric)



69





PPL Electric had an $270 million increase inElectric's cash provided by operating activities in 20162023 increased $155 million compared with 2015.2022.
Net income improved by $88decreased $6 million between the periods. Thisperiods and included an additional $40 milliona decrease in non-cash components of net$54 million. The decrease in non-cash benefitscomponents was primarily due to a $39 milliondecrease in deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (primarily related to a change in state tax rates) and an increase in depreciationdefined benefit plan income (primarily due to a higher expected return), partially offset by an increase in amortization expense (primarily due to the replacement of aging infrastructure and to ensure system reliability)an increase in IT projects placed into service).


The $101$158 million increase in cash from changes in working capital was primarily due to an increasea decrease in accounts payableunbilled revenue (primarily due to timing of payments)weather), an increase in taxes payableregulatory liabilities (primarily due to timing of payments)prior years' refunds to customers related to the transmission formula rate return on equity reduction) and a decreasean increase in prepaymentsaccrued interest (primarily due to higher tax paymentsnew debt issuances in 2015)2023), partially offset by an increase in net regulatory assetsaccounts receivable and liabilities (due to timing of rate recovery mechanisms), an increasea decrease in unbilled revenuesaccounts payable (primarily due to higher volumes and favorable weather compared to December 2015) and an increase in accounts receivable.pricing).


Pension funding was $33 million lower in 2016.

(LKE)
LKE had a $72The $62 million increase in cash provided by other operating activities was driven primarily by other assets (primarily related to an increase in costs associated with work optimization and management projects).

(LG&E)

LG&E's cash provided by operating activities in 20172023 increased $66 million compared with 2016.2022.
Net income declined by $113decreased $6 million between the periods and included an increasea decrease in non-cash components of $31 million of net$6 million. The decrease in non-cash chargescomponents was primarily due to a $35 million increase in depreciation expense and a $3 million increasedecrease in deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (primarily due to the impact of the TCJA, largely offset by book versus tax plant timing differences and reduced benefit from net operating losses.differences).


The increase in cashCash from changes in working capital increased by $81 million. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in other current liabilities due to customer advancesa decrease in accounts receivable and the timing of payments,unbilled revenues (primarily due to weather) and a decrease in fuel, purchasesmaterials and supplies (primarily due to lower generation driven by milder weather in 2017 compared to 2016, an increase in taxes payable due to the timing of payments,commodity costs), partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accounts payable to affiliates (primarily due to the timing of payments.payments).


Defined benefit plan funding was $50 million lower in 2017.

LKE had a $36The $6 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2016 compared with 2015.
Net income improved by $65 million and included an increase of $66 million of net non-cash charges primarily due to a $55 million increase in deferred income taxes and a $22 million increase in depreciation expense.

The decrease in cash from changes in working capital was driven primarily by lower tax payments received from PPL for the use of prior year excess tax depreciation deductions. Other decreases in cash were related to accounts receivable and unbilled revenues due to more favorable weather in December 2016 compared to December 2015, and a decrease in taxes payable due to the timing of payments, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of fuel purchases and payments.

Defined benefit plan funding was $15 million higher in 2016.

The increase in cash from LKE's other operating activities was driven primarily by lower payments for the settlement of interest rate swaps, partially offset by an increase in ARO expenditures.other assets (primarily related to deferred storm costs recorded as noncurrent regulatory assets).


(LG&E)(KU)

LG&E had a $30 million increase inKU's cash provided by operating activities in 20172023 decreased $14 million compared with 2016.2022.
Net income improved bydecreased $10 million between the periods and included a decrease in non-cash components of $8$10 million of netThe decrease in non-cash chargescomponents was primarily due to a $21 million decrease in deferred income taxes largelyand investment tax credits (primarily due to book versus tax plant timing differences, partially offset by a $13 million increase in depreciation expense.differences).


The decrease in cashCash from changes in working capital increased $28 million. The increase was driven primarily by decreasesdue to a decrease in accounts payablereceivable and taxes payableunbilled revenues (primarily due to weather), a decrease in fuel, materials and supplies (primarily due to an increase in commodity costs and the accumulation of inventory for transmission and distribution projects in


48

2022) and a decrease in net regulatory assets (primarily due to the timing of payments,rate recovery mechanisms), partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable frompayable and accounts payable to affiliates (primarily due to lower intercompany settlements associated with energy sales and inventory and an increase in other current liabilities due to customer advances and the timing of payments.payments).


Defined benefit plan funding was $42 million lower in 2017.

The increase in cash from LG&E's other operating activities was driven primarily by lower payments for the settlement of interest rate swaps.


70





LG&E had a $72$23 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2016 compared with 2015.
Net income improved by $18 million and included an increase of $20 million of net non-cash charges primarily due to a $21 million increase in deferred income taxes.

The decrease in cash from changes in working capital was driven primarily by lower tax payments received from LKE for the use of prior year excess tax depreciation deductions. Other decreases in cash were related to accounts receivable and unbilled revenues due to more favorable weather in December 2016 compared to December 2015, and an increase in accounts receivable from affiliates due to higher intercompany settlements associated with energy sales and inventory, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of fuel purchases and payments.

Defined benefit plan funding was $20 million higher in 2016.

The increase in cash from LG&E's other operating activities was driven primarily by lower payments for the settlement of interest rate swaps, partially offset by an increase in ARO expenditures.

(KU)
KU had a $28 million increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2017 compared with 2016.
Net income declined by $6 million and included an increase of $42 million of net non-cash charges primarily due to an increase of $26 million in deferred income taxes largely due to the utilization of net operating losses and an increase of $21 million in depreciation expense.

The decrease in cash from changes in working capital was driven primarily by a decrease in taxes payable due to the timing of payments and a decrease in accounts payable to affiliates due to lower intercompany settlements associated with energy purchases and inventory, partially offset by a decrease in fuel purchases due to lower generation driven by milder weather in 2017 compared to 2016 and an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of payments.

KU had a $2 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2016 compared with 2015.
Net income improved by $31 million and included a decrease of $20 million of net non-cash charges primarily due to a $34 million decrease in deferred income taxes, partially offset by a $14 million increase in depreciation expense.

The decrease in cash from changes in working capital was driven primarily by lower tax payments received from LKE for the use of prior year excess tax depreciation deductions. Other decreases in cash wereother assets (primarily related to accounts receivable and unbilled revenues due to more favorable weather in December 2016 compared to December 2015, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable to affiliates due to higher intercompany settlements associated with energy purchases and inventory, and an increase in taxes payable due to the timing of payments.deferred storm costs recorded as noncurrent regulatory assets).


The increase in cash from KU's other operating activities was driven primarily by lower payments for the settlement of interest rate swaps, partially offset by an increase in ARO expenditures.

Investing Activities

(All Registrants)

The components of the change in cash provided by (used in) investing activities were as follows. follows:
PPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
2023 vs. 2022    
Change - Cash Provided (Used):    
Expenditures for PP&E$(235)$(70)$(7)$(25)
Proceeds from sale of Safari Holdings, net of cash divested(146)— — — 
Acquisition of Narragansett Electric, net of cash acquired3,660 — — — 
Notes receivable from affiliate— (499)— — 
Other investing activities(8)(2)(11)
Total$3,271 $(571)$(18)$(19)
 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2017 vs. 2016         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Expenditures for PP&E$(213) $(119) $(101) $(19) $(82)
Investment activity, net(2) 
 
 
 
Other investing activities(23) (3) 3
 
 3
Total$(238) $(122) $(98) $(19) $(79)
          


71




 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2016 vs. 2015         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Expenditures for PP&E$613
 $(28) $419
 $250
 $169
Investment activity, net(134) 
 
 
 
Other investing activities42
 6
 (6) 
 (6)
Total$521
 $(22) $413
 $250
 $163

For PPL, the increase in 2017 compared with 2016, higherexpenditures for PP&E was due to a full year of project expenditures at RIE in 2023 and an increase in project expenditures at PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU were partially offset by lower project expenditures at WPD.KU. The increase in project expenditures forat PPL Electric was primarily due to an increase in transmission capital spending related to the ongoing efforts to improve reliability and replace aging infrastructure, as well as the roll-out of the Act 129 Smart Meter program.projects. The increase in expenditures for LKE, LG&E andat KU was primarily due to increased spending for environmental water projects at LG&E’s Mill Creek plant, CCR projects at the Trimble County plant and increasedhigher spending on various transmission projects at KU,related to economic development in its service territory, storm restoration and Advanced Metering Infrastructure projects, partially offset by lower spending driven by completion of environmental air projects. The decrease in expenditures at WPD was primarily due to a decrease in foreign currency exchange rates partially offset by an increase in expenditures to enhance system reliability.

For PPL, in 2016 compared with 2015, lower project expenditures at WPD, LKE, LG&E and KU were partially offset by higher project expenditures at PPL Electric. The decrease in expenditures for WPD was primarily due to a decrease in expenditures to enhance system reliability and a decrease in foreign currency exchange rates. The decrease in expenditures for LG&E was primarily driven by the completion of the environmental air projects at LG&E's Mill Creek Plant. The decrease in expenditures for KU was primarily driven by the completion of the environmental air projects at KU's Ghent plant and the CCR project at KU's E.W. Brown plant. The increase in expenditures for PPL Electric was primarily due to the Northern Lehigh and Greater Scranton transmission reliabilityon ELG projects and other various transmission and distribution projects partially offset by the completion of the Northeast Pocono reliability project and Susquehanna-Roseland transmission project.that are not individually significant.

The change in "Investment activity, net" for 2016 compared with 2015 resulted from PPL receiving $136 million during 2015 for the sale of short-term investments.

See "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for detail regarding projected capital expenditures for the years 20182024 through 2022.2026.


For PPL Electric, the changes in "Notes receivable from affiliate" activity resulted from payments received on the short-term note between affiliates in 2022, issued to support general corporate purposes. See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of intercompany borrowings.

Financing Activities


(All Registrants)

The components of the change in cash provided by (used in) financing activities were as follows. follows:
PPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
2023 vs. 2022    
Change - Cash Provided (Used):    
Long-term debt issuance/retirement, net$812 $89 $(136)$(154)
Dividends83 17 109 106 
Capital contributions/distributions, net— 126 (184)(92)
Changes in net short-term debt(909)219 (289)(109)
Note payable with affiliate— — 324 294 
Other financing activities(45)(13)(5)(3)
Total$(59)$438 $(181)$42 
 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2017 vs. 2016         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Debt issuance/retirement, net$935
 $470
 $115
 $115
 $
Stock issuances/redemptions, net309
 
 
 
 
Dividends(42) (48) 
 (64) 22
Capital contributions/distributions, net  355
 (147) (41) (20)
Changes in net short-term debt (a)86
 (590) 92
 3
 61
Other financing activities(25) (3) 
 
 
Total$1,263
 $184
 $60
 $13
 $63


72




 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2016 vs. 2015         
Change - Cash Provided (Used):         
Debt issuance/retirement, net$(824) $(248) $(175) $(325) $(250)
Debt issuance/retirement, affiliate  
 (400) 
 
Stock issuances/redemptions, net(59) 
 
 
 
Dividends(26) (107) 
 (9) (95)
Capital contributions/distributions, net  (55) (161) (19) 20
Changes in net short-term debt (a)(65) 295
 326
 149
 156
Other financing activities53
 
 7
 3
 4
Total$(921) $(115) $(403) $(201) $(165)
(a)Includes net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates.

(PPL)
For PPL, in 2017 compared with 2016, cash provided by financing activities increased primarily as a result of an increase in cash required to fund capital and general corporate expenditures and a decrease in cash from operations of $429 million.

For PPL, in 2016 compared with 2015, cash provided by financing activities decreased primarily due to improvements in cash from operations of $618 million.
(PPL Electric)
For PPL Electric, in 2017 compared with 2016, cash provided by financing activities increased primarily as a result of an increase in cash required to fund capital and general expenditures.

For PPL Electric, in 2016 compared with 2015, cash provided by financing activities decreased primarily due to improvements in cash from operations of $270 million.
(LKE, LG&E and KU)
For LKE, LG&E and KU, in 2017 compared with 2016, cash provided by financing activities increased primarily as a result of an increase in cash required to fund capital and general corporate expenditures.
For LKE, LG&E and KU, in 2016 compared with 2015, cash provided by financing activities decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in cash required to fund capital and general corporate expenditures.

(All Registrants)

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for information on 2023 activity.


49


See "Long-term Debt and Equity Securities" below for additional information on current year activity. See "Forecasted Sources of Cash" for a discussion of the Registrants' plans to issue debt and equity securities, as well as a discussion of credit facility capacity available to the Registrants. Also see "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for a discussion of PPL's plans to pay dividends on common securities in the future, as well as the Registrants' maturities of long-term debt.

Long-term Debt and Equity Securities

Long-term debt and equity securities activity for 20172023 included:
 DebtStock
 Issuances (a)RetirementsIssuances (b)Repurchases
Cash Flow Impact:   
PPL$3,252 $1,854 $$— 
PPL Electric1,329 1,240 — — 
LG&E464 300 — — 
KU459 313 — — 
 Debt Net Stock
 Issuances (a) Retirements Issuances
Cash Flow Impact:     
PPL$1,515
 $168
 $453
PPL Electric   470
 
  
LKE160
 70
  
LG&E160
 70
  
KU
 
  

(a)Issuances are net of pricing discounts, where applicable, and exclude the impact of debt issuance costs. Includes debt issuances with affiliates.

(b)Includes issuances of common stock and treasury stock, which are included in "Other financing activities" on the Statements of Cash Flows.

73




(a)Issuances are net of pricing discounts, where applicable, and exclude the impact of debt issuance costs.


See Note 78 to the Financial Statements for additional information about long-term debt.debt information.


ATM Program(PPL)
During 2017, PPL issued 10,373 thousand shares of common stock under the program, receiving net proceeds of $377 million. The compensation paid to the selling agents by PPL may be up to 1% of the gross offering proceeds of the shares sold with respect to each equity distribution agreement. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information about the ATM Program.

Forecasted Sources of Cash

(All Registrants)

The Registrants expect to continue to have adequate liquidity available from operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, credit facilities and commercial paper issuances.issuances to meet their requirements with respect to their contractual obligations and anticipated capital expenditures. Additionally, subject to market conditions, the Registrants and their subsidiaries may access the capital markets, and PPL Electric, LG&E and KU anticipate receiving equity contributions from their parent or member in 2018.2024.

Credit Facilities

The Registrants maintain credit facilities to enhance liquidity, provide credit support and provide a backstop to commercial paper programs. Amounts borrowed under these credit facilities are reflected in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheets except for borrowings under LG&E's term loan agreement which are reflected in "Long-term debt" on the Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2017,2023, the total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the borrowings under these facilities were:


External
Committed CapacityBorrowedLetters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued (d)
Unused
Capacity
PPL Capital Funding Credit Facilities (a)$1,350 $— $390 $960 
PPL Electric Credit Facilities650 — 511 139 
LG&E Credit Facilities500 — — 500 
KU Credit Facilities400 — 93 307 
Total Credit Facilities (b) (c)$2,900 $— $994 $1,906 

(a)Includes a $1.25 billion syndicated credit facility with a $250 million borrowing sublimit for RIE and a $1 billion sublimit for PPL Capital Funding at December 31, 2023. RIE’s borrowing sublimit is adjustable, at the borrowers’ option, from $0 to $600 million, with the remaining balance of the $1.25 billion available under the facility allocated to PPL Capital Funding. At December 31, 2023, PPL Capital Funding had $365 million of commercial paper outstanding and RIE had $25 million of commercial paper outstanding. On January 5, 2024, the borrowing sublimits under the facility were reallocated to $400 million at RIE and $850 million at PPL Capital Funding.
(b)The syndicated credit facilities and PPL Capital Funding's bilateral facility, each contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization not to exceed 70% for PPL Capital Funding, RIE, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, as calculated in accordance with the facility, and other customary covenants.



50

 Committed Capacity Borrowed 
Letters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued
 
Unused
Capacity
PPL Capital Funding Credit Facilities$1,400
 $
 $248
 $1,152
PPL Electric Credit Facility650
 
 1
 649
        
LKE Credit Facility75
 
 
 75
LG&E Credit Facilities700
 100
 199
 401
KU Credit Facilities598
 
 243
 355
Total LKE Consolidated1,373
 100
 442
 831
Total U.S. Credit Facilities (a) (b)$3,423
 $100
 $691
 $2,632
        
Total U.K. Credit Facilities (b) (c)£1,055
 £448
 £
 £605

(a)The syndicated credit facilities, as well as KU's letter of credit facility, each contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization not to exceed 70% for PPL Capital Funding, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, as calculated in accordance with the facility, and other customary covenants.

The commitments under the domestic credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than the following percentages of the total committed capacity: PPL - 10%9%, PPL Electric 7%, LKE - 18%7%, LG&E - 33%7% and KU - 37%7%.
(b)Each company pays customary fees under its respective syndicated credit facility, as does LG&E under its term loan agreement and KU under its letter of credit facility. Borrowings generally bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus an applicable margin.
(c)The facilities contain financial covenants to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and total net debt not in excess of 85% of its RAV, calculated in accordance with the credit facility.

(c)Each company pays customary fees under its respective syndicated credit facility. Borrowings generally bear interest at applicable SOFR, plus an applicable margin.
The amounts borrowed at December 31, 2017, include a USD-denominated borrowing of $200 million and GBP-denominated borrowings of £300 million, which equated to $406 million. The unused capacity(d)Commercial paper issued reflects the USD-denominated amount borrowed in GBP of £150 million asundiscounted face value of the date borrowed. At December 31, 2017, the USD equivalent of unused capacity under the U.K. committed credit facilities was $819 million.issuance.

The commitments under the U.K.'s credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group with no one bank providing more than 20% of the total committed capacity.



74



In addition to the financial covenants noted in the table above, the credit agreements governing the above credit facilities contain various other covenants. Failure to comply with the covenants after applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of repayment of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. The Registrants monitor compliance with the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2017,2023, the Registrants were in compliance with these covenants. At this time, the Registrants believe that these covenants and other borrowing conditions will not limit access to these funding sources.

See Note 78 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the Registrants' credit facilities.

Intercompany (LKE, (LG&E and KU)
Committed
Capacity
BorrowedCommercial Paper IssuedUnused
Capacity
LG&E Money Pool (a)$750 $— $— $750 
KU Money Pool (a)650 — 93 557 

(a)LG&E and KU)KU participate in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or KU make available to LG&E, and LKE and/or LG&E make available to KU funds up to the difference between LG&E's and KU's FERC borrowing limit and LG&E's and KU's commercial paper capacity limit, at an interest rate based on the lower of a market index of commercial paper issues and two additional rate options based on the lower of a market index of commercial paper issues and two additional rate options based on SOFR.
 
Committed
Capacity
 Borrowed 
Non-affiliate Used
Capacity
 
Unused
Capacity
LKE Credit Facility$275
 $225
 $
 $50
LG&E Money Pool (a)500
 
 199
 301
KU Money Pool (a)500
 
 45
 455
(a)LG&E and KU participate in an intercompany agreement whereby LKE, LG&E and/or KU make available funds up to $500 million at an interest rate based on a market index of commercial paper issues. However, the FERC has authorized a maximum aggregate short-term debt limit for each utility at $500 million from all covered sources.


See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of intercompany credit facilities.


Commercial Paper (All Registrants)

PPL, PPL Electric, LG&E and KUThe Registrants maintain commercial paper programs to provide an additional financing source to fund short-term liquidity needs, as necessary. Commercial paper issuances, included in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheets, are supported by the respective Registrant's Syndicated Credit Facility.credit facilities. The following commercial paper programs were in place at:
 December 31, 2023
CapacityCommercial
Paper
Issuances (b)
Unused
Capacity
PPL Capital Funding (a)$1,350 $365 $985 
Rhode Island Energy (a)400 25 375 
PPL Electric650 510 140 
LG&E500 — 500 
KU400 93 307 
Total PPL$3,300 $993 $2,307 

(a)Issuances under the PPL Capital Funding and RIE commercial paper programs are supported by the PPL Capital Funding syndicated credit facility, which has a total capacity of $1.25 billion, with a $250 million borrowing sublimit for RIE and a $1 billion sublimit for PPL Capital Funding at December 31, 2023. RIE’s borrowing sublimit is adjustable, at the borrowers’ option, from $0 to $600 million, with the remaining balance of the $1.25 billion available under the facility allocated to PPL Capital Funding. On January 5, 2024, the borrowing sublimits under the facility were reallocated to $400 million at RIE and $850 million at PPL Capital Funding.
(b)Commercial paper issued reflects the undiscounted face value of the issuance.



51

 December 31, 2017
 Capacity 
Commercial
Paper
Issuances
 
Unused
Capacity
PPL Capital Funding$1,000
 $230
 $770
PPL Electric650
 
 650
      
LG&E350
 199
 151
KU350
 45
 305
Total LKE700
 244
 456
Total PPL$2,350
 $474
 $1,876

Long-term Debt and Equity Securities

(PPL)

PPL and its subsidiaries are authorized to incur,issue, at the discretion of management and subject to market conditions, up to $3.2$3.5 billion of long-term indebtednessdebt securities, which includes the $650 million issued by PPL Electric in 2018,January 2024, the proceeds of which would be used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. RIE is authorized to issue, at the discretion of management and subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, up to $500 million of long-term debt securities, the proceeds of which would be used to repay short-term debt incurred to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

(PPL Electric)

PPL Electric is authorized to issue, at the discretion of management and subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, up to $1 billion of long-term debt securities, which includes the $650 million issued in January 2024, the proceeds of which would be used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.


PPL(LG&E)

LG&E is authorized to issue, at the discretion of management and subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, up to $3.5 billion of equity over three years.
(PPL Electric)
PPL Electric is authorized to incur, subject to market conditions, up to $650$500 million of long-term indebtedness in 2018,debt securities, the proceeds of which would be used to repay short-term debt incurred to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

(LKE, LG&E and KU)(KU)

LG&EKU is authorized to incur,issue, at the discretion of management and subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, up to $200$500 million of long-term indebtedness in 2018,debt securities, the proceeds of which $100 million was issued in January 2018. The proceeds would be used to repay short-term debt incurred to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. LG&E currently plans to remarket, subject to market conditions, $98 million of its Pollution Control Bonds with put dates in 2018.



75



KU is authorized to incur, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, up to $100 million of long-term indebtedness in 2018, the proceeds of which would be used to fund capital expenditures.
Contributions from Parent/Member Parent (PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

From time to time, LKE's member or the parents of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU make capital contributions to subsidiaries. The proceeds from these contributions are used to fund capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes and, in the case of LKE, to make contributions to its subsidiaries.purposes.

Forecasted Uses of Cash

(All Registrants)

In addition to expenditures required for normal operating activities, such as purchased power, payroll, fuel and taxes, the Registrants currently expect to incur future cash outflows for capital expenditures, various contractual obligations, payment of dividends on its common stock, distributions by LKE to its member, and possibly the purchase or redemption of a portion of debt securities.

Capital Expenditures

The table below shows the Registrants' current capital expenditure projections for the years 20182024 through 2022.2026. Expenditures for the domestic regulated utilities are expected to be recovered through rates, pending regulatory approval.


  Projected
 Total2024 (a)20252026
PPL    
Generating facilities$2,200 $625 $850 $725 
Electric distribution facilities3,275 1,075 1,125 1,075 
Gas distribution facilities1,050 300 375 375 
Transmission facilities3,700 1,000 1,275 1,425 
Other350 125 125 100 
Total Capital Expenditures$10,575 $3,125 $3,750 $3,700 

   Projected
 Total 2018 (b) 2019 2020 2021 2022
PPL           
Construction expenditures (a) 
  
    
    
Generating facilities$892
 $238
 $253
 $124
 $204
 $73
Distribution facilities9,244
 1,875
 1,819
 1,851
 1,863
 1,836
Transmission facilities3,771
 902
 854
 883
 628
 504
Environmental828
 429
 191
 91
 62
 55
Other685
 127
 201
 193
 117
 47
Total Capital Expenditures$15,420

$3,571
 $3,318
 $3,142
 $2,874
 $2,515
            
PPL Electric (a)
           
Distribution facilities$2,077
 $476
 $404
 $403
 $396
 $398
Transmission facilities2,901
 757
 686
 692
 404
 362
Total Capital Expenditures$4,978

$1,233
 $1,090
 $1,095
 $800
 $760
            
LKE 
           
Generating facilities$892
 $238
 $253
 $124
 $204
 $73
Distribution facilities1,699
 347
 388
 360
 338
 266
Transmission facilities870
 144
 169
 190
 225
 142
Environmental828
 429
 191
 91
 62
 55
Other663
 119
 196
 189
 114
 45
Total Capital Expenditures$4,952

$1,277
 $1,197
 $954
 $943
 $581
            
LG&E 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Generating facilities$408
 $127
 $108
 $35
 $94
 $44
Distribution facilities1,084
 223
 265
 233
 210
 153
Transmission facilities161
 27
 36
 36
 40
 22
Environmental335
 176
 83
 38
 22
 16
Other331
 58
 97
 94
 58
 24
Total Capital Expenditures$2,319

$611
 $589
 $436
 $424
 $259


52

76


  Projected
 Total2024 (a)20252026
PPL Electric    
Electric distribution facilities$1,325 $500 $425 $400 
Transmission facilities2,300 675 800 825 
Total Capital Expenditures$3,625 $1,175 $1,225 $1,225 
LG&E    
Generating facilities$1,050 $250 $450 $350 
Electric distribution facilities500 150 175 175 
Gas distribution facilities300 75 125 100 
Transmission facilities150 50 50 50 
Other125 50 50 25 
Total Capital Expenditures$2,125 $575 $850 $700 
KU    
Generating facilities$1,150 $375 $400 $375 
Electric distribution facilities625 175 225 225 
Transmission facilities450 75 125 250 
Other225 75 75 75 
Total Capital Expenditures$2,450 $700 $825 $925 
   Projected
 Total 2018 (b) 2019 2020 2021 2022
            
KU 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Generating facilities$484
 $111
 $145
 $89
 $110
 $29
Distribution facilities615
 124
 123
 127
 128
 113
Transmission facilities709
 117
 133
 154
 185
 120
Environmental493
 253
 108
 53
 40
 39
Other332
 61
 99
 95
 56
 21
Total Capital Expenditures$2,633

$666
 $608
 $518
 $519
 $322


(a)The 2024 total excludes amounts included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2023.
(a)Construction expenditures include capitalized interest and AFUDC, which are expected to total approximately $84 million for PPL and $62 million for PPL Electric.
(b)The 2018 total excludes amounts included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2017.


Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in operational, market and regulatory conditions. For the years presented, this table includes PPL Electric's asset optimization program to replace aging transmission and distribution assets.

In addition to cash on hand and cash from operations, the Registrants plan to fund capital expenditures in 2018 with proceeds from the sources noted below. 
SourcePPLPPL ElectricLKELG&EKU
Issuance of common stockX
Issuance of long-term debt securitiesXXXX
Equity contributions from parent/memberXXX
Short-term debtXXXXX

X = Expected funding source.


Contractual Obligations

The Registrants have assumed various financial obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of conducting business. At December 31, 2017,2023, estimated contractual cash obligations were as follows:
Total 2018 2019 - 2020 2021 - 2022 After 2022 Total20242025-20262027-2028After 2028
PPL         PPL  
Long-term Debt (a)$20,282
 $348
 $1,708
 $2,424
 $15,802
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)15,318
 868
 1,723
 1,529
 11,198
Operating Leases (c)96
 28
 27
 16
 25
Purchase Obligations (d)3,636
 1,121
 1,374
 563
 578
Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet (e)565
 293
 272
 
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$39,897

$2,658

$5,104

$4,532

$27,603
         
PPL Electric
PPL Electric
PPL Electric            
Long-term Debt (a)$3,339
 $
 $100
 $874
 $2,365
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)2,894
 141
 282
 260
 2,211
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations77
 23
 45
 9
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$6,310

$164

$427

$1,143

$4,576
LG&E
LG&E
LG&E  
Long-term Debt (a)
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)
Operating Leases (c)
Coal and Natural Gas Purchase Obligations (e)
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations (f)
Construction Obligations (g)
Other Obligations
Other Obligations
Other Obligations
Total Contractual Cash Obligations


77
53


 Total20242025-20262027-2028After 2028
KU     
Long-term Debt (a)$3,089 $— $414 $60 $2,615 
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)2,127 130 251 234 1,512 
Operating Leases (c)22 
Coal and Natural Gas Purchase Obligations (e)953 328 460 165 — 
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations (f)132 12 22 21 77 
Construction Obligations (g)85 50 31 
Other Obligations108 46 47 11 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$6,516 $575 $1,234 $496 $4,211 

 Total 2018 2019 - 2020 2021 - 2022 After 2022
          
LKE         
Long-term Debt (a)$5,200
 $98
 $1,405
 $250
 $3,447
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)3,120
 199
 388
 300
 2,233
Operating Leases (c)82
 26
 27
 14
 15
Coal and Natural Gas Purchase Obligations (f)1,955
 582
 930
 375
 68
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations (g)593
 29
 53
 54
 457
Construction Obligations (h)500
 305
 147
 48
 
Pension Benefit Plan Obligations (e)105
 105
 
 
 
Other Obligations417
 151
 143
 70
 53
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$11,972
 $1,495
 $3,093
 $1,111
 $6,273
          
LG&E         
Long-term Debt (a)$1,724
 $98
 $334
 $
 $1,292
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)1,185
 63
 117
 108
 897
Operating Leases (c)39
 15
 13
 5
 6
Coal and Natural Gas Purchase Obligations (f)839
 252
 403
 154
 30
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations (g)411
 20
 37
 38
 316
Construction Obligations (h)256
 185
 62
 9
 
Pension Benefit Plan Obligations (e)54
 54
 
 
 
Other Obligations149
 47
 59
 26
 17
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$4,657
 $734
 $1,025
 $340
 $2,558
          
KU         
Long-term Debt (a)$2,351
 $
 $596
 $
 $1,755
Interest on Long-term Debt (b)1,719
 93
 186
 153
 1,287
Operating Leases (c)41
 10
 14
 9
 8
Coal and Natural Gas Purchase Obligations (f)1,115
 330
 527
 221
 37
Unconditional Power Purchase Obligations (g)182
 9
 16
 16
 141
Construction Obligations (h)218
 101
 80
 37
 
Pension Benefit Plan Obligations (e)46
 46
 
 
 
Other Obligations187
 49
 64
 38
 36
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$5,859
 $638
 $1,483
 $474
 $3,264
(a)Reflects principal maturities based on stated maturity, sinking fund payments, or earlier put dates. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of variable-rate remarketable bonds issued on behalf of LG&E and KU. The Registrants do not have any significant finance lease obligations.
(a)Reflects principal maturities based on stated maturity or earlier put dates. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of variable-rate remarketable bonds issued on behalf of LG&E and KU. The Registrants do not have any significant capital lease obligations.
(b)Assumes interest payments through stated maturity or earlier put dates. For PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU the payments herein are subject to change, as payments for debt that is or becomes variable-rate debt have been estimated and for PPL, payments denominated in British pounds sterling have been translated to U.S. dollars at a current foreign currency exchange rate.
(c)See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(d)The amounts include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Primarily includes as applicable, the purchase obligations of electricity, coal, natural gas and limestone, as well as certain construction expenditures, which are also included in the Capital Expenditures table presented above.
(e)The amounts for PPL include WPD's contractual deficit pension funding requirements arising from actuarial valuations performed in March 2016. The U.K. electricity regulator currently allows a recovery of a substantial portion of the contributions relating to the plan deficit. The amounts also include contributions made or committed to be made in 2018 for PPL's and LKE's U.S. pension plans (for PPL Electric, LG&E and KU includes their share of these amounts). Based on the current funded status of these plans, except for WPD's plans, no cash contributions are required. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of expected contributions.
(f)Represents contracts to purchase coal, natural gas and natural gas transportation. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(g)Represents future minimum payments under OVEC power purchase agreements through June 2040. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(h)Represents construction commitments, including commitments for LG&E's and KU's Trimble County landfill construction and CCR Rule Closure and Process Water Program along with LG&E's Mill Creek Gypsum Dewatering and Cane Run plant demolition, which are also reflected in the Capital Expenditures table presented above.

(b)Assumes interest payments through stated maturity or earlier put dates. The payments herein are subject to change, as payments for debt that is or becomes variable-rate debt have been estimated.

(c)See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(d)The amounts include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Primarily includes, as applicable, the purchase obligations of electricity, coal, natural gas and limestone, as well as certain construction expenditures, which are also included in the Capital Expenditures discussion above.
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(e)Represents contracts to purchase coal, natural gas and natural gas transportation. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Table of Contents(f)Represents future minimum payments under OVEC power purchase agreements through June 2040. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(g)Represents construction commitments, which are also reflected in the Capital Expenditures table presented above.


Dividends/Distributions

(PPL)

PPL views dividends as an integral component of shareowner return and expects to continue to pay dividends in amounts that are within the context of maintainingintended to maintain a capitalization structure that supports investment grade credit ratings. In November 2017,2023, PPL declared its quarterly common stock dividend, payable January 2, 2018,2024, at 39.524.00 cents per share (equivalent to $1.58$0.96 per annum). On February 22, 2018,16, 2024, PPL announced that the company is increasing itsa quarterly common stock dividend to 41.0of 25.75 cents per share, on a quarterly basis (equivalentpayable April 1, 2024, to 1.64 per annum).shareowners of record as of March 8, 2024. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, cash flows, financial and legal requirements and other relevant factors.

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information regarding the June 1, 2015 distribution to PPL's shareowners of a newly formed entity, Holdco, which at closing owned all of the membership interests of PPL Energy Supply and all of the common stock of Talen Energy.


Subject to certain exceptions, PPL may not declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on its capital stock during any period in which PPL Capital Funding defers interest payments on its 2007 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 or 2013 Series B Junior Subordinated Notes due 2073.2067. At December 31, 2017,2023, no interest payments were deferred.

(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

From time to time, as determined by their respective Board of Directors, the Registrants pay dividends, distributions or distributions,return capital, as applicable, to their respective shareholders or members. Certain of the credit facilities of PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU include minimum debt covenant ratios that could effectively restrict the payment of dividends or distributions.

(All Registrants)
 
See Note 78 to the Financial Statements for these and other restrictions related to distributions on capital interests for the Registrants and their subsidiaries.

Purchase or Redemption of Debt Securities

The Registrants will continue to evaluate outstanding debt securities and may decide to purchase or redeem these securities in open market or privately negotiated transactions, in exchange transactions or otherwise, depending upon prevailing market conditions, available cash and other factors, and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material.



54

Rating Agency Actions


Moody's and S&P periodically review the credit ratings of the debt of the Registrants and their subsidiaries. Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues. The credit ratings of the Registrants and their subsidiaries are based on information provided by the Registrants and other sources. The ratings of Moody's and S&P are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of the Registrants or their subsidiaries. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.

The credit ratings of the Registrants and their subsidiaries affect their liquidity, access to capital markets and cost of borrowing under their credit facilities. A downgrade in the Registrants' or their subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets. The Registrants and their subsidiaries have no credit rating triggers that would result in the reduction of access to capital markets or the acceleration of maturity dates of outstanding debt.

The following table sets forth the Registrants' and their subsidiaries' credit ratings for outstanding debt securities or commercial paper programs as of December 31, 2017.


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2023.
Senior UnsecuredSenior SecuredCommercial Paper
IssuerMoody'sS&PMoody'sS&PMoody'sS&P
PPLSenior UnsecuredSenior SecuredCommercial Paper
IssuerMoody'sS&PMoody'sS&PMoody'sS&P
PPL
PPL Capital FundingBaa2Baa1BBB+P-2A-2
WPD plcRhode Island EnergyA3Baa3A-P-2BBB+A-2
WPD (East Midlands)Baa1A-
WPD (West Midlands)Baa1A-
WPD (South Wales)Baa1A-
WPD (South West)Baa1A-
PPL and PPL Electric
PPL ElectricA1AA+P-2A-2A-1
PPL, LG&E and LKEKU
LKELG&EBaa1BBB+A1AP-2A-2
LG&EKUA1AP-2A-2
KUA1AP-2A-2

The rating agencies have taken the following actions related to the Registrants and their subsidiaries.


(PPL)

In March 2017, Moody's andJune 2023, Moody’s assigned RIE's commercial paper a Short-Term Rating of P-2.

In June 2023, S&P assigned ratings of Baa1 and A- to WPD (South Wales)’s £50 million 0.01% Index-linked Senior Notes due 2029.

In September 2017, Moody's and S&P assigned ratings of Baa2 and BBB+ to PPL Capital Funding’s $500 million 4.00% Senior Notes due 2047.

In September 2017, S&P affirmed its ratings with a stable outlook for PPL and PPL Capital Funding.

In November 2017, Moody's and S&P assigned ratings of Baa1 and A- to WPD (South West)'s £250 million 2.375% Senior Notes due 2029.

(PPL Electric)

In January 2017, Moody's and S&P affirmed theirRIE's commercial paper ratings for PPL Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.a Short-Term Rating of A-2.


In May 2017, Moody's and S&P assigned ratings of A1 and A to PPL Electric's $475 million 3.95% First Mortgage Bonds due 2047.

In August 2017, Moody's assigned a rating of A1 and S&P confirmed its rating of A for LCIDA's $116 million 1.80% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Project) Series 2016A due 2029 and LCIDA's $108 million 1.80% Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Project) Series 2016B due 2027, each previously issued on behalf of PPL Electric.

In September 2017, S&P affirmed its ratings with a stable outlook for PPL Electric.

(LKE)

In September 2017, S&P affirmed its ratings with a stable outlook for LKE.

(LG&E)

In March 2017, Moody’s assigned a rating of A1 and S&P confirmed its rating of A for the Louisville/Jefferson Metro Government of Kentucky's $128 million 1.5% Pollution Control Revenue Bonds, 2003 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033, previously issued on behalf of LG&E.



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In May 2017, Moody’s and S&P assigned ratings of A1 and A to the County of Trimble, Kentucky's $60 million 3.75% Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds, 2017 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033, issued on behalf of LG&E.

In May 2017, Moody’s assigned a rating of A1 and in June 2017, S&P confirmed its rating of A for the Louisville/Jefferson Metro Government of Kentucky's $31 million 1.25% Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2007 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033, previously issued on behalf of LG&E.

In May 2017, Moody’s assigned a rating of A1 and in June 2017, S&P confirmed its rating of A for the Louisville/Jefferson Metro Government of Kentucky's $35 million 1.25% Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2007 Series B (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033, previously issued on behalf of LG&E.

In September 2017, S&P affirmed its ratings with a stable outlook for LG&E.

(KU)

In July 2017, Moody’s affirmed its rating of Aa2 and in August 2017, S&P confirmed its rating of AA for the County of Mercer, Kentucky's $13 million Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bonds, 2000 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2023, the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $50 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds, 2004 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2034, the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $78 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds, 2008 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2032 and the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $54 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2006 Series B (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2034, each previously issued on behalf of KU.

In September 2017, S&P affirmed its ratings with a stable outlook for KU.

In January 2018, S&P affirmed its rating of AA for the County of Mercer, Kentucky's $13 million Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bonds, 2000 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2023, the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $50 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds, 2004 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2034, the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $78 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds, 2008 Series A (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2032 and the County of Carroll, Kentucky's $54 million Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2006 Series B (Kentucky Utilities Company Project) due 2034, each previously issued on behalf of KU.
Ratings Triggers
(PPL)
As discussed in Note 7 to the Financial Statements, certain of WPD's senior unsecured notes may be put by the holders to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies (Moody's or S&P) or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ or lower in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution licenses under which WPD (East Midlands), WPD (South West), WPD (South Wales) and WPD (West Midlands) operate and would be a trigger event for each company. These notes totaled £4.7 billion (approximately $6.4 billion) nominal value at December 31, 2017.
(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity and fuel, commodity transportation and storage, and interest rate and foreign currency instruments, (for PPL), contain provisions that require the posting of additional collateral or permit the counterparty to terminate the contract, if PPL's, LKE's, LG&E's or KU's or their subsidiaries' credit rating, as applicable, were to fall below investment grade. See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral requirements for PPL, LKE and LG&E for derivative contracts in a net liability position at December 31, 2017.2023.

Guarantees for Subsidiaries(PPL)

PPL guarantees certain consolidated affiliate financing arrangements. Some of the guarantees contain financial and other covenants that, if not met, would limit or restrict the consolidated affiliates' access to funds under these financing arrangements, accelerate maturity of such arrangements or limit the consolidated affiliates' ability to enter into certain transactions. At this


81


time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit access to relevant funding sources. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information about guarantees.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


55

Other Contingent Obligations(All Registrants)

The Registrants have entered into certain agreements that may contingently require payment to a guaranteed or indemnified party. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of these agreements.
 
Risk Management

Market Risk

(All Registrants)

See Notes 1, 16 and 17 to the Financial Statements for information about the Registrants' risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions. Actual future results may differ materially from those presented. These are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but are rather only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.

Interest Rate Risk

The RegistrantsPPL and theirits subsidiaries issue debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk. The Registrants and their subsidiaries utilize variousA variety of financial derivative instruments are utilized to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in their debt portfolios, adjust the duration of theirthe debt portfolios and lock in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under thePPL's risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of the debt portfoliosportfolio due to changes in the absolute level ofbenchmark interest rates. In addition, the interest rate risk of certain subsidiaries is potentially mitigated as a result of the existing regulatory framework or the timing of rate cases.

The following interest rate hedges were outstanding at December 31. 31:
 20232022
Exposure
Hedged
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability) (a)
Effect of a
10% Adverse
Movement
in Rates (b)
Maturities
Ranging
Through
Exposure
Hedged
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability) (a)
Effect of a
10% Adverse
Movement
in Rates (b)
PPL and LG&E       
Economic hedges       
Interest rate swaps (c)$64 $(7)$(1)2033$64 $(7)$(1)
 2017 2016
 
Exposure
Hedged
 
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability) (a)
 
Effect of a
10% Adverse
Movement
in Rates (b)
 
Maturities
Ranging
Through
 
Exposure
Hedged
 
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability) (a)
 
Effect of a
10% Adverse
Movement
in Rates (b)
PPL             
Cash flow hedges 
  
  
    
  
  
Cross-currency swaps (c)$702
 $103
 $(84) 2028 $802
 $191
 $(90)
Economic hedges             
Interest rate swaps (d)147
 (27) (1) 2033 147
 (32) (2)
LKE             
Economic hedges             
Interest rate swaps (d)147
 (27) (1) 2033 147
 (32) (2)
LG&E             
Economic hedges             
Interest rate swaps (d)147
 (27) (1) 2033 147
 (32) (2)

(a)Includes accrued interest, if applicable.
(b)Effects of adverse movements decrease assets or increase liabilities, as applicable, which could result in an asset becoming a liability. Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, except for cross-currency swaps which also includes a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates.
(c)Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the item being hedged affects earnings.
(d)Realized changes in the fair value of such economic hedges are recoverable through regulated rates and any subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities.

(a)Includes accrued interest, if applicable.

(b)Effects of adverse movements decrease assets or increase liabilities, as applicable, which could result in an asset becoming a liability. Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.

(c)Realized changes in the fair value of such economic hedges are recoverable through regulated rates and any subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities.
82



The Registrants are exposed to a potential increase in interest expense and to changes in the fair value of their debt portfolios. The estimated impact of a 10% adverse movement in interest rates on interest expense at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was insignificant for PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU. The estimated impact of a 10% adverse movement in interest rates on the fair value of debt and interest expense at December 31 is shown below.
 10% Adverse Movement in Rates on Fair Value of Debt10% Adverse Movement in Rates on Interest Expense For Floating Exposure
 2023202220232022
PPL$593 $495 $$16 
PPL Electric250 178 
LG&E95 84 — 
KU137 127 
 10% Adverse Movement in Rates
 2017 2016
PPL$620
 $590
PPL Electric162
 138
LKE168
 182
LG&E62
 66
KU92
 100
Foreign Currency Risk (PPL)
PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily through investments in U.K. affiliates. Under its risk management program, PPL may enter into financial instruments to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including translation risk of expected earnings, firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities, anticipated transactions and net investments.
The following foreign currency hedges were outstanding at December 31. 


56

 2017 2016
 
Exposure
Hedged
 
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability)
 
Effect of a 10%
Adverse Movement
 in Foreign Currency
Exchange Rates (a)
 
Maturities
Ranging
Through
 Exposure
Hedged
 
Fair Value,
Net - Asset
(Liability)
 
Effect of a 10%
Adverse Movement
in Foreign Currency
Exchange Rates (a)
Economic hedges (b)£2,563
 $15
 $(323) 2020 £1,909
 $184
 $(215)

(a)Effects of adverse movements decrease assets or increase liabilities, as applicable, which could result in an asset becoming a liability.
(b)To economically hedge the translation of expected earnings denominated in GBP.

(All Registrants)
Commodity Price Risk

PPL is exposed to commodity price risk through its domestic subsidiaries as described below.


PPL Electric is required to purchase electricity to fulfill its obligation as a PLR. Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its PUC-approvedPAPUC-approved cost recovery mechanism and full-requirement supply agreements to serve its PLR customers which transfer the risk to energy suppliers.
LG&E's and KU's rates include certain mechanisms for fuel, fuel-related expenses and energy purchases. In addition, LG&E's rates include a mechanism for natural gas supply expenses.costs. These mechanisms generally provide for timely recovery of market price fluctuations associated with these expenses.
costs.

RIE utilizes derivative instruments pursuant to its RIPUC-approved plan to manage commodity price risk associated with its natural gas purchases. RIE's commodity price risk management strategy is to reduce fluctuations in firm gas sales prices to its customers. RIE's costs associated with derivatives instruments are recoverable through its RIPUC- approved cost recovery mechanisms. RIE is required to purchase electricity to fulfill its obligation to provide Last Resort Service (LRS). Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its RIPUC-approved cost recovery mechanisms and full requirements service agreements to serve LRS customers, which transfer the risk to energy suppliers. RIE is required to contract through long-term agreements for clean energy supply under the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth program and Long-term Clean Energy Standard. Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its RIPUC-approved cost recovery mechanisms, which true-up cost differences between contract prices and market prices.

Volumetric Risk

Volumetric risk is the risk related to the changes in volume of retail sales due to weather, economic conditions or other factors. PPL is exposed to volumetric risk through its subsidiaries as described below.

WPD is exposed to volumetric risk which is significantly mitigated as a result of the method of regulation in the U.K. Under the RIIO-ED1 price control regulations, recovery of such exposure occurs on a two year lag. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information on revenue recognition under RIIO-ED1.
PPL Electric, LG&E and KU are exposed to volumetric risk on retail sales, mainly due to weather and other economic conditions for which there is limited mitigation between rate cases.
RIE is exposed to volumetric risk, which is significantly mitigated by regulatory mechanisms. RIE's electric and gas distribution rates both have a revenue decoupling mechanism, which allows for annual adjustments to RIE's delivery rates.



83


Defined Benefit Plans - Equity Securities Price Risk

See "Application of Critical Accounting Policies - Defined Benefits" for additional information regarding the effect of equity securities price risk on plan assets.

Credit Risk

(All Registrants)


Credit risk is the riskpotential loss that the Registrants would incurmay be incurred due to a loss as a result of nonperformance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. The Registrants maintain credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparty credit (including requirements that counterparties maintain specified credit ratings) and require other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstances in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, the Registrants, as applicable, have concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, financial institutions and energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations may impact the Registrants' overall exposurecounterparty's non-performance.

PPL is exposed to credit risk positively or negatively,from "in-the-money" transactions with counterparties, as counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions.
(PPL and PPL Electric)
In January 2017, the PUC issued a Final Order approving PPL Electric's PLR procurement plan for the period June 2017well as additional credit risk through May 2021, which includes a total of eight solicitations for electricity supply semi-annually in April and October. To date, PPL Electric has conducted twocertain of its planned eight competitive solicitations.subsidiaries, as discussed below.

Under the standard Supply Master Agreement (the Agreement) for the competitive solicitation process, PPL Electric requires all suppliers to post collateral if their credit exposure exceeds an established credit limit. In the event a supplier of PPL, PPL Electric, LG&E or KU defaults on its contractual obligation, PPL Electricthose Registrants would be required to seek replacement power or replacement fuel in the market. AllIn general, subject to regulatory review or other processes, appropriate incremental costs incurred by PPL Electricthese entities would be recoverable from customers through applicable rate mechanisms, thereby mitigating the financial risk for these entities.

PPL and its subsidiaries have credit policies in future rates. At December 31, 2017, mostplace to manage credit risk, including the use of an established credit approval process, daily monitoring of counterparty positions and the successful bidders under alluse of master netting agreements or provisions. These agreements generally include credit mitigation provisions, such as margin, prepayment or collateral requirements. PPL and its subsidiaries may request additional credit assurance, in certain circumstances, in the solicitations had anevent that the counterparties' credit ratings fall below investment grade, their tangible net worth falls below specified percentages or their exposures exceed an established credit rating from S&P, and were not required to post collateral under the Agreement. A small portionlimit.




57


See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for additional information on credit risk.
Foreign Currency Translation(PPL)
The value of the British pound sterling fluctuates in relation to the U.S. dollar. In 2017, changes in this exchange rate resulted in a foreign currency translation gain of $537 million, which primarily reflected a $935 million increase to PP&E and $198 million increase to goodwill partially offset by a $549 million increase to long-term debt and an increase of $47 million to other net liabilities. In 2016, changes in this exchange rate resulted in a foreign currency translation loss of $1.1 billion, which primarily reflected a $2.1 billion decrease to PP&E and $490 million decrease to goodwill partially offset by a $1.3 billion decrease to long-term debt and a decrease of $208 million to other net liabilities. In 2015, changes in this exchange rate resulted in a foreign currency translation loss of $240 million, which primarily reflected a $472 million decrease to PP&E and $117 million decrease to goodwill partially offset by a $285 million decrease to long-term debt and a decrease of $64 million to other net liabilities.

(All Registrants)

Related Party Transactions

The Registrants are not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with the Registrants. See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions for PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU.
 
Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

The Registrants from time to time evaluate opportunities for potential acquisitions, divestitures, and development projects. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information on acquisition and divestiture activity. Development projects are reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with,


84


modify or terminate the projects. Any resulting transactions may impact future financial results. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the more significant activities.
 
(PPL)
See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply.
(All Registrants) 

Environmental Matters

Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to PPL's, PPL Electric's, LKE's, LG&E's and KU'sthe Registrants' air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, as well as other aspects of the Registrants' businesses. The costcosts of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be significant. In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed. Costs may take the form of increased capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenses, monetary fines, penalties or other restrictions. Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers and industrial power users, and may impact the costcosts for their products or their demand for the Registrants' services. Increased capital and operating costs are expected to be subject to rate recovery. PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KUThe Registrants can provide no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of future environmental or rate proceedings before regulatory authorities.

See "Legal Matters" in Note 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the more significant environmental matters including: Legal Matters, NAAQS, Climate Change, CCRs, and ELGs.claims. See "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Forecasted Uses of Cash - Capital Expenditures" in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for information on projected environmental capital expenditures for 20182024 through 2022.2026. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for information related to the impacts of CCRs on AROs. See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" for additional information.


Sustainability


Increasing attention has been focused on a broad range of corporate activities under the heading of “sustainability”, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of requests from interested parties for information on sustainability topics. These parties range from investor groups focused on environmental, social, governance and other matters to non-investors concerned with a variety of public policy matters. Often the scope of the information sought is very broad and not necessarily relevant to an issuer’s business or industry. As a result, a number of private groups have proposed to standardize the subject matter constituting sustainability, either generally or by industry. Those efforts remain ongoing. In addition, certain of these private groups have advocated that the SEC promulgate regulations requiring specific sustainability reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “’34 Act”)’34 Act), or that issuers voluntarily include certain sustainability disclosure in their ’34 Act reports. To date, no new reportingIn March 2022, the SEC proposed broad-based climate disclosure requirements have been adoptedfor public companies. The proposed rule would require public companies to disclose direct and indirect GHG emissions, strategic insights, and certain financial implications in public disclosures. The proposed rulemaking elicited significant debate and comment. While a final rulemaking is currently expected to be issued in the first half of 2024, PPL cannot predict the final legal requirements or proposed bywhen the SEC.requirements will be effective.


As has been PPL’s practice, to the extent sustainability issues have or may have a material impact on the Registrants’ financial condition or results of operation, PPL discloses such matters in accordance with applicable securities law and SEC regulations. With respect to other sustainability topics that PPL deems relevant to investors but that are not required to be reported under applicable securities law and SEC regulation, PPL will continue each spring to publish its annual sustainability report including tracking reductions related to the company's goal to reduce carbon emissions and post that report on its corporate website at www.pplweb.com and on www.pplsustainability.com. Neither the information in such annual sustainability report nor the information at such websites is incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference, and it should not be considered a part of this Form


58

10-K. In preparing its sustainability report, PPL is guided by the framework established by the Global Reporting Initiative, which identifies environmental, social, governance and other subject matter categories, together with recentcategories. PPL also participates in efforts by the Edison Electric Institute and American Gas Association to provide guidance as to the appropriate subset of sustainability information that can be applied consistently across the electric and gas utility industry.industries. Additionally, PPL consults widely used reporting frameworks for discrete sustainability topics, including corporate political contributions and climate-related issues. PPL also responds to the climate survey of CDP, a not-for-profit organization based in the United Kingdom formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, that runs the global disclosure system that enables investors, companies, cities, states and regions to measure and manage their environmental impacts.


Cybersecurity


See “Cybersecurity Management” in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk factors”Factors” and “Item 1C. Cybersecurity” for a discussion of cybersecurity risks affecting the Registrants and the related strategies for managing these risks.




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Competition

See "Competition" under each of PPL's reportable segments in "Item 1. Business - General - Segment Information" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for a discussion of competitive factors affecting the Registrants.
 
New Accounting Guidance

See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for a discussion ofThere has been no new accounting guidance adopted in 2023, please refer to Note 21 for discussion of significant accounting guidance pending adoption.adoption as of December 31, 2023.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to an understanding of the reported financial condition or results of operations and require management to make estimates or other judgments of matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the Financial Statements (these accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements). Senior management has reviewed with PPL's Audit Committee these critical accounting policies, the following disclosures regarding their application, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them.


Defined Benefits

(All Registrants)

Certain of the Registrants and/or their subsidiaries sponsor or participate in as applicable, certain qualified funded and non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans and both funded and unfunded other postretirement benefit plans. These plans are applicable to the majority of the Registrants' employees (based on eligibility for their applicable plans). The Registrants and certain of their subsidiaries record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of all defined benefit plans with an offsetting entry to AOCI or, in the case of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, regulatory assets and liabilities for amounts that are expected to be recovered through regulated customer rates. Consequently, the funded status of all defined benefit plans is fully recognized on the Balance Sheets. See Notes 61, 7 and 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information about the plans and the accounting for defined benefits.

A summary of plan sponsors by Registrant and whether a Registrant or its subsidiaries sponsor (S) or participate in and receives allocations (P) from those plans is shown in the table below.
Plan SponsorPPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
PPL ServicesSP
Plan SponsorLKEPPLPPL ElectricPLKELG&EKU
PPL ServicesSP
WPD (a)S
LKESPP
LG&ES
(a)Does not sponsor or participate in other postretirement benefits plans.


Management makes certain assumptions regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. As such, annual net periodic defined benefit costs are recorded in current earnings or regulatory assets and liabilities based on estimated results. Any differences between actual and estimated results are recorded in AOCI or, in the case of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, regulatory assets and liabilities for amounts that are expected to be recovered through regulated customer rates. These amounts in AOCI or regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized to income over future periods. The delayed recognition allows for a smoothed recognition of costs over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primarysignificant assumptions are:

Discount Rate - The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of benefits, which is based on projections of benefit payments to be made in the future. The objective in selecting the discount rate is to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments, would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the accumulated benefits when due.

Expected Return on Plan Assets - Management projects the long-term rates of return on plan assets that will be earned over the life of the plan. These projected returns reduce the net benefit costs the Registrants record currently.


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Rate of Compensation Increase - Management projects employees' annual pay increases, which are used to project employees' pension benefits at retirement.

Health Care Cost Trend Rate - Management projects the expected increases in the cost of health care.

In addition to the economic assumptions above that are evaluated annually, Management must also make assumptions regarding the life expectancy of employees covered under their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

U.S. - at December 31, 2014, the plan sponsors adopted the mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 (RP-2014 base tables) for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. In addition, at December 31, 2017, the plan sponsors updated the basis for estimating projected mortality improvements and selected the MP-2017 improvement scale for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This new mortality assumption reflects the expectation of lower ongoing improvements in life expectancies.

U.K. - at March 31 2016, the U.K. plan sponsors adopted the new mortality assumptions based on the “SAPS S2 All” tables issued by the Self-Administered Pensions Schemes’ (SAPS) study for all U.K. defined benefit pension plans. In addition, the U.K. plan sponsors updated the basis for estimating projected mortality improvements and selected the CMI 2015 Core Projections model published by the Continuous Mortality Investigation study with a long-term future improvement rate of 1% for all U.K. defined benefit pension plans. These new mortality assumptions reflect the impact of the most recently available actual scheme mortality data (which has been higher than previously expected) on both current life expectancies and the expectation of continuing improvements in life expectancies. The use of the new base tables and improvement scale resulted in a decrease to U.K. defined benefit pension obligations, a decrease to future expense and an increase to funded status.

(PPL)
In selecting the discount rate for its U.K. pension plans, WPD starts with a cash flow analysis of the expected benefit payment stream for its plans. These plan-specific cash flows are matched against a spot-rate yield curve to determine the assumed discount rate. The spot-rate yield curve uses an iBoxx British pounds sterling denominated corporate bond index as its base. From this base, those bonds with the lowest and highest yields are eliminated to develop an appropriate subset of bonds. Historically, WPD used the single weighted-average discount rate derived from the spot rates used to discount the benefit obligation. Concurrent with the annual remeasurement of plan assets and obligations at December 31, 2015, WPD began using individual spot rates to measure service cost and interest cost beginning with the calculation of 2016 net periodic defined benefit cost.
An individual bond matching approach, which is used for the U.S. pension plans as discussed below, is not used for the U.K. pension plans because the universe of bonds in the U.K. is not deep enough to adequately support such an approach.
(All Registrants)
In selecting the discount rates for U.S. defined benefit plans, the plan sponsors start with a cash flow analysis of the expected benefit payment stream for their plans. The plan-specific cash flows are matched against the coupons and expected maturity values of individually selected bonds. This bond matching process begins with the full universe of Aa-rated non-callable (or callable with make-whole provisions) bonds serving as the base from which those with the lowest and highest yields are eliminated to develop an appropriate subset of bonds. Individual bonds are then selected based on the timing of each plan's cash flows and parameters are established as to the percentage of each individual bond issue that could be hypothetically purchased and the surplus reinvestment rates to be assumed.

To determine the expected return on plan assets,
59

for a hypothetical settlement portfolio. The plan sponsors projectthen use the single discount rate derived from matching the discounted benefit payment stream to the market value of the selected bond portfolio.

Expected Return on Plan Assets - The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on plan assetsmanagement's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.

Rate of Compensation Increase - Management projects employees' annual pay increases, which are used to project employees' pension benefits at retirement. In selecting a rate of compensation increase, plan sponsors consider past experience, in lightthe potential impact of movements in inflation rates.rates and expectations of ongoing compensation practices.

The following table providesSee Note 11 to the weighted-averageFinancial Statements for details of the assumptions selected for discount rate, expected return on planpension and other postretirement benefits. A variance in the assumptions could significantly impact accrued defined benefit liabilities or assets, and rate of compensation increase at December 31 used to measure current year obligations and subsequent yearreported annual net periodic defined benefit costs under GAAP, as applicable. and AOCI or regulatory assets and liabilities.



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Assumption / Registrant 2017 2016
Discount rate    
Pension - PPL (U.S.) 3.70% 4.21%
Pension - PPL (U.K.) Obligations 2.65% 2.87%
Pension - PPL (U.K.) Service Cost (a) 2.73% 2.99%
Pension - PPL (U.K.) Interest Cost (a) 2.31% 2.41%
Pension - LKE 3.69% 4.19%
Pension - LG&E 3.65% 4.13%
Other Postretirement - PPL 3.64% 4.11%
Other Postretirement - LKE 3.65% 4.12%
     
Expected return on plan assets    
Pension - PPL (U.S.) 7.25% 7.00%
Pension - PPL (U.K.) 7.23% 7.22%
Pension - LKE 7.25% 7.00%
Pension - LG&E 7.25% 7.00%
Other Postretirement - PPL 6.40% 6.21%
Other Postretirement - LKE 7.15% 6.82%
     
Rate of compensation increase    
Pension - PPL (U.S.) 3.78% 3.95%
Pension - PPL (U.K.) 3.50% 3.50%
Pension - LKE 3.50% 3.50%
Other Postretirement - PPL 3.75% 3.92%
Other Postretirement - LKE 3.50% 3.50%
(a)WPD began using individual spot rates from the yield curve used to discount the benefit obligation to measure service cost and interest cost for the calculation of net periodic defined benefit cost in 2016. PPL's U.S. plans use a single discount rate derived from an individual bond matching model to measure the benefit obligation, service cost and interest cost. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional details.

In selecting health care cost trend rates, plan sponsors consider past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2017,this change would have the health care cost trend rate for all plans was 6.6% for 2018, gradually declining to an ultimate trend rate of 5.0% in 2022.
A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significantopposite impact on accrued defined benefit liabilities or assets, reported annual net periodic defined benefit costs and AOCI or regulatory assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2017, the defined benefit plans were recorded in the Registrants' financial statements as follows.
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Balance Sheet:         
Regulatory assets (a)$880
 $504
 $376
 $234
 $142
Regulatory liabilities27
  
 27
   27
Pension assets284
        
Pension liabilities813
 246
 369
 45
 36
Other postretirement and postemployment
benefit liabilities
184
 62
 107
 74
 32
AOCI (pre-tax)3,144
  
 150
  
  
          
Statement of Income: 
  
  
  
  
Defined benefits expense$(87) $12
 $33
 $11
 $5
Increase (decrease) from prior year(52) 1
 3
 
 (2)
(a)As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between pension cost calculated in accordance with LG&E's and KU's pension accounting policy and pension cost calculated using a 15 year amortization period for actuarial gains and losses is recorded as a regulatory asset. At December 31, 2017, the balances were $33 million for PPL and LKE, $18 million for LG&E and $15 million for KU. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

The following tables reflect changes in certain assumptions based on the Registrants' primary defined benefit plans. The tables reflect either an increase or decrease in each assumption. The inverse of this change would impact the accrued defined benefit liabilities or assets, reported annual net periodic defined benefit costs and AOCI or regulatory assets and liabilities by a similar


88


amount in the opposite direction. The sensitivities below reflect an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.
Increase (Decrease)
Actuarial assumption
Actuarial assumptionDiscount Rate(0.25 %)
Discount Rate(0.25%)
Expected Return on Plan Assets(0.25%)
Rate of Compensation Increase0.25%
Health Care Cost Trend Rate (a)1 %
(a)Only impacts other postretirement benefits.
Increase (Decrease)Increase (Decrease)(Increase) DecreaseIncrease (Decrease)Increase (Decrease)
Actuarial assumptionDefined Benefit
Asset
Defined Benefit
Liabilities
AOCI
(pre-tax)
Net Regulatory
Assets
Defined Benefit
Costs
PPL    
Discount rates$(21)$(80)$27 $74 $— 
Expected return on plan assetsn/an/an/an/a10 
Rate of compensation increase(3)(7)
PPL Electric    
Discount rates— (35)— 35 (1)
Expected return on plan assetsn/an/a— n/a
Rate of compensation increase— (3)— — 
    
LG&E
Discount rates(9)n/a10 
Expected return on plan assetsn/an/an/an/a
Rate of compensation increase(1)— n/a— 
KU
Discount rates(7)n/a— 
Expected return on plan assetsn/an/an/an/a
Rate of compensation increase(1)— n/a— 
 Increase (Decrease) (Increase) Decrease Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
Actuarial assumption
Defined Benefit
Liabilities
 
AOCI
(pre-tax)
 
Net Regulatory
Assets
 
Defined Benefit
Costs
PPL 
  
  
  
Discount rates$520
 $416
 $104
 $43
Expected return on plan assetsn/a
 n/a
 n/a
 27
Rate of compensation increase72
 60
 12
 9
Health care cost trend rate (a)4
 
 4
 
        
PPL Electric 
  
  
  
Discount rates64
 
 64
 4
Expected return on plan assetsn/a
 
 n/a
 4
Rate of compensation increase8
 
 8
 1
Health care cost trend rate (a)1
 
 1
 
  
  
  
  
LKE 
  
  
  
Discount rates68
 28
 40
 8
Expected return on plan assetsn/a
 n/a
 n/a
 3
Rate of compensation increase10
 5
 5
 2
Health care cost trend rate (a)3
 
 3
 
        
LG&E       
Discount rates21
 n/a
 21
 3
Expected return on plan assetsn/a
 n/a
 n/a
 1
Rate of compensation increase2
 n/a
 2
 
Health care cost trend rate (a)1
 n/a
 1
 
        
KU       
Discount rates18
 n/a
 18
 2
Expected return on plan assetsn/a
 n/a
 n/a
 1
Rate of compensation increase3
 n/a
 3
 
Health care cost trend rate (a)2
 n/a
 2
 

(a)Only impacts other postretirement benefits.

Income Taxes(All Registrants)
The Registrants have completed or made reasonable estimates of the effects of the TCJA and reflected these amounts in their December 31, 2017 financial statements. The Registrants continue to evaluate the application of the TCJA and have used significant management judgment to make certain assumptions concerning the application of various components of the law in the calculation of 2017 income tax expense. The current and deferred components of the income tax expense calculations that the Registrants consider provisional due to uncertainty either with respect to the technical application of the law or the quantification of the impact of the law include (but are not limited to): tax depreciation, deductible executive compensation, and the accumulated foreign earnings used to calculate the deemed dividend included in PPL's taxable income in 2017 along with the impact of associated foreign tax credits and related valuation allowances. The Registrants believe that classification of these items as provisional is appropriate. The Registrants have accounted for these items based on their interpretation of the TCJA.


89


Further interpretive guidance on the TCJA from the IRS, Treasury, the Joint Committee on Taxation through its "Blue Book" or from Congress in the form of Technical Corrections may differ from the Registrants' interpretation of the TCJA.


Significant management judgment is also required in developing the Registrants' provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken or expected to be taken inon tax returns and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and whether the undistributed earningsassets.



60

SignificantAdditionally, significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of benefit recognized related to an uncertain tax position. Tax positions are evaluated following a two-step process. The first step requires an entity to determine whether, based on the technical merits supporting a particular tax position, it is more likely than not (greater than a 50% chance) that the tax position will be sustained. This determination assumes that the relevant taxing authority will examine the tax position and is aware of all the relevant facts surrounding the tax position. The second step requires an entity to recognize in the financial statements the benefit of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition criterion. The benefit recognized is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a likelihood of realization, upon settlement, that exceeds 50%. Management considers a number of factors in assessing the benefit to be recognized, including negotiation of a settlement.
On a quarterly basis, uncertain tax positions are reassessed by considering information known as of the reporting date. Based on management's assessment of new information, a tax benefit may subsequently be recognized for a previously unrecognized tax position, a previously recognized tax position may be derecognized, or the benefit of a previously recognized tax position may be remeasured. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued and may materially impact the financial statements in the future. Unrecognized tax benefits are classified as current to the extent management expects to settle an uncertain tax position by payment or receipt of cash within one year of the reporting date.
At December 31, 2017, no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits are projected over the next 12 months.

The need for valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets also requires significant management judgment. Valuation allowances are initially recorded and reevaluated each reporting period by assessing the likelihood of the ultimate realization of a deferred tax asset. Management considers a number ofseveral factors in assessing the expected realization of a deferred tax asset, including the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Any tax planning strategy utilized in this assessment must meet the recognition and measurement criteria utilized to account for an uncertain tax position. Management also considersWhen evaluating the need for valuation allowances, the uncertainty posed by political risk and the effect of this uncertainty on the varioussuch factors that management takes into account in evaluating the need for valuation allowances.is also considered by management. The amount of deferred tax assets ultimately realized may differ materially from the estimates utilized in the computation of valuation allowances and may materially impact the financial statements in the future.

See Note 56 to the Financial Statements for income tax disclosures, including the impact of the TCJA and management's conclusion that the undistributed earnings of WPD are considered indefinitely reinvested. Based on this conclusion, PPL Global does not record U.S. federal income taxes on WPD's undistributed earnings.disclosures.


Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
(All Registrants)

PPL Electric, LG&E, KU and KU,RIE are subject to cost-based rate regulation. As a result, the effects of regulatory actions are required to be reflected in the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are recorded that result from the regulated ratemaking process that may 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 regulated customer rates. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated customer rates. In certain cases, regulatory liabilities are recorded based on an understanding or agreement with the regulator that rates have been set to recover costs that are expected to be incurred in the future, and the regulated entity is accountable for any amounts charged pursuant to such rates and not yet expended for the intended purpose.

Management continually assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as changes in the applicable regulatory and political environments, the ability to recover costs through regulated rates, recent rate orders to the Registrants and other regulated entities, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. Based on this continual assessment, management believes the existing regulatory assets are probable of recovery. This assessment reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the state and federal levels and is subject to change in the future. If future recovery of costs


90


ceases to be probable, the regulatory asset would be written-off. Additionally, the regulatory agencies can provide flexibility in the manner and timing of recovery of regulatory assets.

See Note 67 to the Financial Statements for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities recorded at December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, as well as additional information on those regulatory assets and liabilities. All regulatory assets are either currently being recovered under specific rate orders, represent amounts that are expected to be recovered in future rates or benefit future periods based upon established regulatory practices.


(PPL)
WPD operates in an incentive-based regulatory structure under distribution licenses granted by Ofgem. As the regulatory model is incentive-based rather than a cost recovery model, WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP for entities subject to cost-based rate regulation. Therefore, the accounting treatment of adjustments to base demand revenue and/or allowed revenue is primarily evaluated based on revenue recognition guidance. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Price Risk Management(PPL)

See "Financial Condition - Risk Management" above, as well as "Price Risk Management" in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.above.


Goodwill Impairment(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. PPL has determined itsThe reporting units to be atof PPL include the same level as its reportable segments. LKE,Kentucky Regulated reporting unit, the Pennsylvania Regulated reporting unit, and the Rhode Island Regulated reporting unit. LG&E and KU are individuallyeach single operating and reportable segments. reporting units. A goodwill impairment test is performed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the reporting unit may be greater than the reporting unit's fair value. Additionally, goodwill

The fair value of a reporting unit is tested forcompared with the carrying value and an impairment after a portioncharge is recognized if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of goodwill has been allocated to a business to be disposed of.the reporting unit.

PPL, LKE,for its reporting units, and individually, LG&E and KU, may elect either to initially make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of an impairment of goodwill or to bypass the qualitative evaluation and test goodwill for impairment using a two-step quantitative test. IfSee "Long-Lived and Intangible Assets - Asset Impairment (Excluding Investments)" in Note 1 to the qualitative evaluation (referred to as "step zero") is elected and the assessment results in a determination that it is not more likely than not that the fair value


61

When the two-step quantitative impairment test is elected or required as a result of the step zero assessment, in step one, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU determine whether a potential impairment exists by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill, on the measurement date. If the estimated fair value exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The second step of the quantitative test requires a calculation of the implied fair valueFinancial Statements for further discussion of goodwill which is determined inimpairment tests. See Note 18 to the same manner as the amount ofFinancial Statements for information on goodwill in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is then compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill.
PPL's goodwill was $3.3 billionbalances by reportable segment at December 31, 2017, which consists2023.

As of $2.6 billion related to the acquisition of WPDOctober 1, 2023, PPL, for its reporting units, and $662 million related to the acquisition of LKE. PPL (for its U.K. Regulated and Kentucky Regulated segments), and individually, LKE, LG&E and KU, elected to perform the qualitative step zero evaluation of goodwill, as of October 1, 2017.goodwill. These evaluations considered the excess of fair value over the carrying value of each reporting unit that was calculated during step one of the quantitative impairment tests performed in the fourth quarter of 2015,2022, and the relevant events and circumstances that occurred since those tests were performed including:


current year financial performance versus the prior year;year,
changes in planned capital expenditures;expenditures,


91


the consistency of forecasted free cash flows;flows,
earnings quality and sustainability;sustainability,
changes in market participant discount rates;rates,
changes in long-term growth rates;rates,
changes in PPL's market capitalization;capitalization, and
the overall economic and regulatory environments in which these regulated entities operate.


Based on these evaluations, management concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of these reporting units was less than their carrying values.value. As such, the two-stepstep one quantitative impairment test was not performed. performed and no impairment was recognized.

Asset Retirement Obligations(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

ARO liabilities are required to be recognized for legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. The initial obligation isInitial obligations are measured at its estimated fair value. An ARO must be recognized when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated. An equivalent amount is recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and amortized to expense, regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities over the asset's useful life of the asset. For LKE, LG&E and KU, all ARO accretion and depreciation expenses are reclassified as a regulatory asset. ARO regulatory assets associated with certain CCR projects are amortized to expense in accordance with regulatory approvals. For other AROs, at the time of retirement, the related ARO regulatory asset is offset against the associated cost of removal regulatory liability, PP&E and ARO liability.life.
See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for additional information on AROs.


In determining AROs, management must make significant judgments and estimates to calculate fair value. Fair value is developed using an expected present value technique based on assumptions of market participants that consider estimated retirement costs in current period dollars, that are inflated to the anticipated retirement date and then discounted back to the date the ARO was incurred. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the calculations of the fair value of AROs could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. Estimated ARO costs and settlement dates, which affect the carrying value of the ARO and the related capitalized asset, are reviewed periodically to ensure that any material changes are incorporated into the latest estimate of the ARO.ARO estimate. Any change to the capitalized asset positive or negative, is generally amortized over the remaining life of the associated long-lived asset.


See "Long-Lived and Intangible Assets - Asset Retirement Obligations" in Note 1, Note 7 and Note 19 to the Financial Statements for additional information on AROs.

At December 31, 2017,2023, the total recorded balances and information on the most significant recorded AROs were as follows.
 Most Significant AROs
Total
ARO
Recorded
Total
ARO
Recorded
Amount
Recorded
% of TotalDescription
  Most Significant AROs
Total
ARO
Recorded
 
Amount
Recorded
 % of Total Description
PPL$397
 $284
 72
 Ponds, landfills and natural gas mains
LKE356
 284
 80
 Ponds, landfills and natural gas mains
LG&E
LG&E
LG&E121
 89
 74
 Ponds, landfills and natural gas mains$85 $$63 74 74 Ponds, landfills and natural gas mainsPonds, landfills and natural gas mains
KU235
 195
 83
 Ponds and landfillsKU66 37 37 56 56 Ponds and landfillsPonds and landfills

The most significant assumptions surrounding AROs are the forecasted retirement costs (including the settlement dates and the timing of cash flows), the discount rates and the inflation rates. At December 31, 2017,2023, a 10% increase to retirement cost would increase these ARO liabilities by $32 million.$7 million at LG&E and $11 million at KU. A 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would increase these ARO liabilities by $4$5 million at LG&E and $1 million at KU and a 0.25% increase in the inflation rate would increase these ARO liabilities by $2 million.$4 million at LG&E. There would be no significant change to the annual depreciation expense of the ARO asset or the annual accretion expense of the ARO liability as a result of these changes in assumptions.



62

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenues(LKE,PPL, LG&E and KU)

RevenuesFor RIE, LG&E and KU, revenues related to the sale of energy are recorded when service is rendered or when energy is delivered to customers. Because customers are billed on cycles which vary based on the timing of the actual meter reads taken throughout the month, estimates are recorded for unbilled revenues at the end of each reporting period. For LG&E and KU, suchSuch unbilled revenue amounts reflect estimates of deliveries to customers since the date of the last reading of their meters. The unbilled revenue estimates reflect consideration of factors including daily load models, estimated usage for each customer class, the effect of current and different rate schedules, the meter read schedule, the billing schedule, actual weather data, and, where applicable, the impact of


92


weather normalization or other regulatory provisions of rate structures. See "Unbilled revenues" on the Registrants' Balance Sheets for balances at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Other Information(All Registrants)
 
PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services, tax services and other services permitted by Sarbanes-Oxley and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, and internal control reviews.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
 
Reference is made to "Risk Management" for the Registrants in "Item 7. Combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."





63
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of PPL Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established inInternal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2018,16, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinionopinion.


Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities– Impact of Rate-Regulation on Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Related Disclosures – Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company owns and operates four cost-based rate-regulated utilities for which rates are set by regulatory commissions to enable the regulated utility to recover the costs of providing electric or gas service, as applicable, and to provide a reasonable return to shareholders. As a result, the financial statements are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the effects of regulatory actions.

Regulatory assets are recognized for the effect of transactions or events where future recovery of underlying costs is probable in regulated customer rates. The effect of such accounting is to defer certain or qualifying costs that would otherwise currently be charged to expense. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated


64

customer rates. The accounting for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities is based on specific rate orders or, in certain cases, regulatory commission precedent for transactions or events. While the Company has indicated that it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the regulatory commissions will not approve full recovery of and return on such costs or approve recovery on a timely basis in future regulatory decisions.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management in continually assessing whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as changes in the applicable regulatory environments, the ability to recover costs through regulated rates, and recent rate orders. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation due to its inherent complexities.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty of future decisions by regulatory commissions included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over evaluating the likelihood of recovery or refund in future rates of costs deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over the recognition of amounts as regulatory assets or liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.

We obtained and read relevant regulatory orders issued by the regulatory commissions for the Company and other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate-regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Parsippany,Morristown, New Jersey  
February 22, 201816, 2024 


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.




















94
65


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of PPL Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting at Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey
February 22, 2018



95


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareowners of PPL Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2015, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), PPL Corporation and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 19, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 19, 2016


























96


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareowner and the Board of Directors of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related consolidated statements of income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities– Impact of Rate-Regulation on Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Related Disclosures – Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, PPL Electric Utilities Company (PPL Electric) is a cost-based rate-regulated utility for which rates are set by regulatory commissions to enable the regulated utility to recover the costs of providing electric service and to provide a reasonable return to shareholders. As a result, the financial statements are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the effects of regulatory actions.

Regulatory assets are recognized for the effect of transactions or events where future recovery of underlying costs is probable in regulated customer rates. The effect of such accounting is to defer certain or qualifying costs that would otherwise currently be charged to expense. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated customer rates. The accounting for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities is based on specific rate orders or, in certain


66

cases, regulatory commission precedent for transactions or events. While PPL Electric has indicated that it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the regulatory commissions will not approve full recovery of and return on such costs or approve recovery on a timely basis in future regulatory decisions.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management in continually assessing whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as changes in the applicable regulatory environments, the ability to recover costs through regulated rates, and recent rate orders. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation due to its inherent complexities.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty of future decisions by regulatory commissions included the following, among others:
We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over evaluating the likelihood of recovery or refund in future rates of costs deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over the recognition of amounts as regulatory assets or liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.

We obtained and read relevant regulatory orders issued by the regulatory commissions for PPL Electric and other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

We evaluated PPL Electric’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate-regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Parsippany,Morristown, New Jersey  
February 22, 2018  16, 2024


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.





67
97


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareowner of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, equity, and cash flows of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 19, 2016



98


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Sole MemberStockholder and the Board of Directors of LG&ELouisville Gas and KU Energy LLCElectric Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LG&ELouisville Gas and KU Energy LLC and subsidiariesElectric Company (the “Company”"Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”"financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities– Impact of Rate-Regulation on Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Related Disclosures – Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Louisville Gas & Electric Company (LG&E) is a cost-based rate-regulated utility for which rates are set by regulatory commissions to enable the regulated utility to recover the costs of providing electric or gas services, as applicable, and to provide a reasonable return to shareholders. As a result, the financial statements are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the effects of regulatory actions.

Regulatory assets are recognized for the effect of transactions or events where future recovery of underlying costs is probable in regulated customer rates. The effect of such accounting is to defer certain or qualifying costs that would otherwise currently be charged to expense. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated customer rates. The accounting for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities is based on specific rate orders or, in certain cases, regulatory commission precedent for transactions or events. While LG&E has indicated that it expects to recover costs


68

from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the regulatory commissions will not approve full recovery of and return on such costs or approve recovery on a timely basis in future regulatory decisions.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management in continually assessing whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as changes in the applicable regulatory environments, the ability to recover costs through regulated rates, and recent rate orders. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation due to its inherent complexities.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty of future decisions by regulatory commissions included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over evaluating the likelihood of recovery or refund in future rates of costs deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over the recognition of amounts as regulatory assets or liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.

We obtained and read relevant regulatory orders issued by the regulatory commissions for LG&E and other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

We evaluated LG&E’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate-regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
February 22, 201816, 2024


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.







99
69


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Sole Member of LG&E and KU Energy LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows of LG&E and KU Energy LLC and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of LG&E and KU Energy LLC and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2015, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
February 19, 2016



100


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of Louisville Gas and ElectricKentucky Utilities Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Louisville Gas and ElectricKentucky Utilities Company (the “Company”"Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related statements of income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”"financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
February 22, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.



101


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholder of Louisville Gas and Electric Company
We have audited the accompanying statements of income, equity and cash flows of Louisville Gas and Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Louisville Gas and Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
February 19, 2016




102


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of Kentucky Utilities Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Kentucky Utilities Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related statements of income, equity, and cash flows, for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities– Impact of Rate-Regulation on Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Related Disclosures – Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) is a cost-based rate-regulated utility for which rates are set by regulatory commissions to enable the regulated utility to recover the costs of providing electric service and to provide a reasonable return to shareholders. As a result, the financial statements are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the effects of regulatory actions.

Regulatory assets are recognized for the effect of transactions or events where future recovery of underlying costs is probable in regulated customer rates. The effect of such accounting is to defer certain or qualifying costs that would otherwise currently be charged to expense. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated customer rates.The accounting for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities is based on specific rate orders or, in certain


70

cases, regulatory commission precedent for transactions or events. While KU has indicated that it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the regulatory commissions will not approve full recovery of and return onsuch costs or approve recovery on a timely basis in future regulatory decisions.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management in continually assessing whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as changes in the applicable regulatory environments, the ability to recover costs through regulated rates, and recent rate orders. Auditing these judgments required specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation due to its inherent complexities.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the uncertainty of future decisions by regulatory commissions included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over evaluating the likelihood of recovery or refund in future rates of costs deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. We tested the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over the recognition of amounts as regulatory assets or liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect the likelihood of recovering costs in future rates or of a future reduction in rates.

We obtained and read relevant regulatory orders issued by the regulatory commissions for KU and other publicly available information to assess the likelihood of recovery in future rates or of a future reduction in rates based on precedents of the treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

We evaluated KU’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate-regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
February 22, 201816, 2024

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.








103
71



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of Kentucky Utilities Company

We have audited the statements of income, equity and cash flows of Kentucky Utilities Company for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Kentucky Utilities Company for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
February 19, 2016





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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except share data)

2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Operating Revenues$7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
     
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses 
  
  
  
Operation 
    
Operation   
Fuel759
 791
 863
Energy purchases685
 706
 855
Other operation and maintenance1,635
 1,745
 1,938
Depreciation1,008
 926
 883
Taxes, other than income292
 301
 299
Total Operating Expenses4,379
 4,469
 4,838
     
Operating Income3,068
 3,048
 2,831
Operating Income
Operating Income
     
Other Income (Expense) - net(255) 390
 108
Other Income (Expense) - net (Note 15)
Other Income (Expense) - net (Note 15)
Other Income (Expense) - net (Note 15)
     
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Interest Expense901
 888
 871
     
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes1,912
 2,550
 2,068
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
     
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Income Taxes784
 648
 465
     
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes1,128
 1,902
 1,603
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
     
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 8)
 
 (921)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 9)
     
Net Income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
Net Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss)
     
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: 
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes Available to PPL Common Shareowners: 
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: 
Basic$1.64
 $2.80
 $2.38
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Net Income (Loss) Available to PPL Common Shareowners
Diluted$1.64
 $2.79
 $2.37
Net Income Available to PPL Common Shareowners: 
  
  
Basic$1.64
 $2.80
 $1.01
Diluted$1.64
 $2.79
 $1.01
Diluted
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Net Income (Loss) Available to PPL Common Shareowners
     
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock$1.58
 $1.52
 $1.50
     
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)   
  
  
Basic685,240
 677,592
 669,814
Diluted687,334
 680,446
 672,586
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 2017 2016 2015
Net income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
      
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
  
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit: 
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of ($1), ($4), $1538
 (1,107) (234)
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0, $0, ($9)
 
 8
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $19, ($18), $0(79) 91
 26
Defined benefit plans: 
  
  
Prior service costs, net of tax of $0, $2, $6
 (3) (9)
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $72, $40, $67(308) (61) (366)
Reclassifications to net income - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit): 
  
  
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0, $0, $2
 
 (2)
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of ($18), $21, ($15)73
 (91) 2
Equity investees' other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax of $0, $0, $01
 (1) (1)
Defined benefit plans: 
  
  
Prior service costs, net of tax of ($1), ($1), $01
 1
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax of ($37), ($35), ($46)130
 121
 146
Total other comprehensive income (loss)356
 (1,050) (430)
      
Comprehensive income$1,484
 $852
 $252
202320222021
Net income (loss)$740 $756 $(1,480)
Other comprehensive income (loss):   
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:   
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0, $0, ($123) — 372 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $0, $0, $11 — (39)
Equity investees' other comprehensive income (loss), net tax of $0, $0, $01 — 
Defined benefit plans:   
Prior service costs, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 (1)— 
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $15, ($2), $1(41)11 (1)
Reclassifications from AOCI - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit):   
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $0, ($1), ($5)3 25 
Defined benefit plans:   
Prior service costs, net of tax of ($1), ($1), ($1)1 
Net actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax of $0, ($7), ($33)(3)17 126 
Reclassifications from AOCI due to sale of the U.K. utility business - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0, $0, $140 — 786 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $0, $0, $0 — 15 
Defined benefit plans:
Prior service costs, net of tax of $0, $0, ($2) — 
Net actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax of $0, $0, ($798) — 2,769 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(39)33 4,063 
Comprehensive income$701 $789 $2,583 
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
Loss from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)
 
 921
Net income (loss)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)
Income from continuing operations (net of income taxes)1,128
 1,902
 1,603
Adjustments to reconcile Income from continuing operations (net of taxes) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - continuing operations 
  
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activitiesAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities  
Depreciation1,008
 926
 883
Amortization97
 80
 59
Defined benefit plans - expense (income)(95) (40) 56
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits707
 560
 428
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, and other hedging activities178
 19
 (77)
Stock compensation expense38
 28
 31
Stock compensation expense
Stock compensation expense
Loss on sale of Safari Holdings
Impairment of solar panels
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other(9) (12) (14)
Change in current assets and current liabilities 
  
  
Change in current assets and current liabilities  
Accounts receivable(33) (15) 47
Accounts payable(10) 57
 (116)
Unbilled revenues(48) (63) 54
Fuel, materials and supplies40
 (3) 24
Taxes payable3
 31
 (175)
Taxes payable
Taxes payable
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net(12) (59) 42
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Accrued interest
Other14
 (32) (7)
Other operating activities 
  
  
Other operating activities  
Defined benefit plans - funding(565) (427) (499)
Settlement of interest rate swaps2
 (9) (101)
Other assets
Other assets
Other assets30
 42
 (19)
Other liabilities(12) (95) 53
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations2,461
 2,890
 2,272
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
 
 343
Net cash provided by operating activities2,461
 2,890
 2,615
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment(3,133) (2,920) (3,533)
Expenditures for intangible assets(38) (37) (37)
Proceeds from the sale of other investments
 2
 136
Proceeds from sale of Safari Holdings, net of cash divested
Proceeds from sale of Safari Holdings, net of cash divested
Proceeds from sale of Safari Holdings, net of cash divested
Proceeds from sale of U.K. utility business, net of cash divested
Acquisition of Narragansett Electric, net of cash acquired
Other investing activities15
 37
 (5)
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations(3,156) (2,918) (3,439)
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations
 
 (149)
Net cash used in investing activities(3,156) (2,918) (3,588)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Issuance of long-term debt1,515
 1,342
 2,236
Retirement of long-term debt(168) (930) (1,000)
Issuance of common stock453
 144
 203
Payment of common stock dividends(1,072) (1,030) (1,004)
Net increase in short-term debt115
 29
 94
Payment of common stock dividends
Payment of common stock dividends
Purchase of treasury stock
Retirement of term loan
Retirement of term loan
Retirement of term loan
Retirement of commercial paper
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
Other financing activities(19) 6
 (47)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations824
 (439) 482
Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations
 
 (546)
Net cash distributions to parent from discontinued operations
 
 132
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - discontinued operations
Contributions from discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities824
 (439) 68
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents15
 (28) (10)
Net (Increase) Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents included in Discontinued Operations
 
 352
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents144
 (495) (563)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period341
 836
 1,399
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$485
 $341
 $836
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash included in Discontinued Operations
Net (Increase) Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash included in Discontinued Operations
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period
     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information     
Cash paid (received) during the period for:     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information  
Cash paid during the period for:Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest - net of amount capitalized$845
 $854
 $822
Income taxes - net$65
 $70
 $179
Significant non-cash transactions:     
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,$360
 $281
 $310
Accrued expenditures for intangible assets at December 31,$68
 $117
 $55
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.



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75



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
2017 2016 20232022
Assets 
  
Assets  
Current Assets 
  
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$485
 $341
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2017, $51; 2016, $54) 
  
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $123; 2022, $87)Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $123; 2022, $87)  
Customer681
 666
Other100
 46
Unbilled revenues543
 480
Unbilled revenues (less reserve: 2023, $4; 2022, $6)
Fuel, materials and supplies320
 356
Prepayments66
 63
Price risk management assets49
 63
Regulatory assets
Other current assets50
 52
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets2,294
 2,067
   
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment 
  
  
Regulated utility plant38,228
 34,674
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant6,785
 6,013
Regulated utility plant, net31,443
 28,661
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment384
 413
Less: accumulated depreciation - non-regulated property, plant and equipment110
 134
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment, net274
 279
Construction work in progress1,375
 1,134
Property, Plant and Equipment, net33,092
 30,074
   
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other Noncurrent Assets  
Regulatory assets1,504
 1,918
Goodwill3,258
 3,060
Other intangibles697
 700
Pension benefit asset284
 9
Price risk management assets215
 336
Other noncurrent assets135
 151
Other noncurrent assets (less reserve for accounts receivable: 2023, $2; 2022, $2)
Total Other Noncurrent Assets6,093
 6,174
   
Total Assets$41,479
 $38,315
Total Assets
Total Assets
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
2017 2016 20232022
Liabilities and Equity 
  
Liabilities and Equity  
Current Liabilities 
  
Current Liabilities  
Short-term debt$1,080
 $923
Long-term debt due within one year348
 518
Accounts payable924
 820
Taxes105
 101
Interest282
 270
Dividends273
 259
Customer deposits292
 276
Regulatory liabilities95
 101
Other current liabilities624
 569
Total Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities4,023
 3,837
   
Long-term Debt19,847
 17,808
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt
   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
  
  
Deferred income taxes2,462
 3,889
Investment tax credits129
 132
Accrued pension obligations800
 1,001
Asset retirement obligations312
 428
Regulatory liabilities2,704
 899
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities441
 422
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities6,848
 6,771
   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 13)

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
   
Equity
Equity
Equity 
  
  
Common stock - $0.01 par value (a)7
 7
Additional paid-in capital10,305
 9,841
Treasury stock
Earnings reinvested3,871
 3,829
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,422) (3,778)
Total Shareowners' Common Equity
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests 3
Total Equity10,761
 9,899
   
Total Liabilities and Equity$41,479
 $38,315
Total Liabilities and Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
(a)1,560,000 shares authorized; 693,398 and 679,731 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(a)1,560,000 shares authorized; 770,013 shares issued and 737,130 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023. 1,560,000 shares authorized; 770,013 shares issued and 736,487 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 PPL Shareowners  
 
Common
stock shares outstanding
(a)
 
Common
 stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Earnings
reinvested
 
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss
 Total
December 31, 2014665,849
 $7
 $9,433
 $6,462
 $(2,274) $13,628
Common stock issued8,008
 

 249
  
  
 249
Stock-based compensation 
  
 5
  
  
 5
Net income 
  
  
 682
   682
Dividends and dividend equivalents 
  
  
 (1,010)   (1,010)
Distribution of PPL Energy Supply (Note 8)      (3,181) (24) (3,205)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
  
  
  
 (430) (430)
December 31, 2015673,857
 $7
 $9,687
 $2,953
 $(2,728) $9,919
            
Common stock issued5,874
 

 185
  
  
 185
Stock-based compensation 
  
 (31)  
  
 (31)
Net income 
  
  
 1,902
  
 1,902
Dividends and dividend equivalents 
  
  
 (1,033)  
 (1,033)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
  
  
  
 (1,050) (1,050)
Adoption of stock-based compensation guidance cumulative effect adjustment (Note 1)      7
   7
December 31, 2016679,731
 $7
 $9,841
 $3,829
 $(3,778) $9,899
            
Common stock issued13,667
  
 482
  
  
 482
Stock-based compensation 
  
 (18)  
  
 (18)
Net income 
  
  
 1,128
  
 1,128
Dividends and dividend equivalents 
  
  
 (1,086)  
 (1,086)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
  
  
  
 356
 356
December 31, 2017693,398
 $7
 $10,305
 $3,871
 $(3,422) $10,761
  
 Common
stock shares outstanding
(a)
Common
 stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Treasury StockEarnings
reinvested
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss
Noncontrolling interestTotal
December 31, 2020768,907 $$12,270 $— $5,315 $(4,220)$— $13,373 
Common stock issued983 29   29 
Treasury stock(34,778) (1,003)  (1,003)
Stock-based compensation    
Net income (loss)   (1,480) (1,480)
Dividends and dividend equivalents (b)   (1,263) (1,263)
Other comprehensive income (loss)    4,063 4,063 
December 31, 2021735,112 $$12,303 $(1,003)$2,572 $(157)$— $13,723 
Common stock issued123   
Treasury stock1,252 36 36 
Stock-based compensation    
Net income (loss)   756  756 
Dividends and dividend equivalents (b)   (647) (647)
Preferred stock
Other comprehensive income (loss)    33 33 
December 31, 2022736,487 $$12,317 $(967)$2,681 $(124)$$13,918 
Treasury stock issued643 19 23 
Stock-based compensation    
Net income (loss)   740  740 
Dividends and dividend equivalents (b)   (711) (711)
Preferred stock(3)(3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)    (39)(39)
December 31, 2023737,130 $$12,326 $(948)$2,710 $(163)$— $13,933 
 
(a)Shares in thousands. Each share entitles the holder to one vote on any question presented at any shareowners' meeting.

(a)Shares in thousands. Each share entitles the holder to one vote on any question presented at any shareowners' meeting.
(b)Dividends declared per share of common stock at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were: $0.960, $0.875 and $1.660.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 202320222021
Operating Revenues$3,008 $3,030 $2,402 
Operating Expenses   
Operation   
Energy purchases992 1,048 566 
Other operation and maintenance605 605 557 
Depreciation397 393 424 
Taxes, other than income143 149 120 
Total Operating Expenses2,137 2,195 1,667 
Operating Income871 835 735 
Other Income (Expense) - net39 30 21 
Interest Income from Affiliate 
Interest Expense223 171 162 
Income Before Income Taxes687 699 599 
Income Taxes168 174 154 
Net Income (a)$519 $525 $445 

 2017 2016 2015
Operating Revenues$2,195
 $2,156
 $2,124
      
Operating Expenses 
  
  
Operation 
  
  
Energy purchases507
 535
 657
Energy purchases from affiliate
 
 14
Other operation and maintenance571
 599
 607
Depreciation309
 253
 214
Taxes, other than income107
 105
 94
Total Operating Expenses1,494
 1,492
 1,586
      
Operating Income701
 664
 538
      
Other Income (Expense) - net11
 17
 8
      
Interest Income from Affiliate5
 
 
      
Interest Expense142
 129
 130
      
Income Before Income Taxes575
 552
 416
      
Income Taxes213
 212
 164
      
Net Income (a)$362
 $340
 $252
(a)Net income equals comprehensive income.
(a)Net income equals comprehensive income.


The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net income$362
 $340
 $252
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 
  
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  
Depreciation309
 253
 214
Amortization33
 32
 26
Defined benefit plans - expense12
 11
 16
Defined benefit plans expense (income)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits258
 221
 220
Other(8) (13) (12)
Change in current assets and current liabilities 
  
  
Change in current assets and current liabilities  
Accounts receivable(57) 16
 50
Accounts payable3
 58
 (107)
Unbilled revenues(13) (23) 22
Materials and supplies
Prepayments3
 43
 (1)
Regulatory assets and liabilities(5) (62) 35
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Taxes payable(4) (12) (108)
Accrued interest
Other(1) (7) 21
Other operating activities 
  
  
Other operating activities  
Defined benefit plans - funding(24) 
 (33)
Other assets15
 19
 (10)
Other liabilities(3) (4) 17
Net cash provided by operating activities880
 872
 602
     
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment(1,244) (1,125) (1,097)
Expenditures for intangible assets(10) (9) (10)
Net (increase) decrease in notes receivable from affiliate
Other investing activities2
 4
 (1)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,252) (1,130) (1,108)
     
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Issuance of long-term debt470
 224
 348
Retirement of long-term debt
 (224) (100)
Contributions from PPL575
 220
 275
Contributions from parent
Payment of common stock dividends to parent(336) (288) (181)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt(295) 295
 
Return of capital to parent
Net increase in short-term debt
Debt issuance costs
Other financing activities(6) (3) (3)
Net cash provided by financing activities408
 224
 339
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
     
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents36
 (34) (167)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period13
 47
 214
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$49
 $13
 $47
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period
     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information 
  
  
Cash paid (received) during the period for: 
  
  
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information  
Cash paid during the period for:Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest - net of amount capitalized$128
 $115
 $117
Income taxes - net$4
 $(48) $38
Significant non-cash transactions:     
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,$133
 $126
 $98
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




11481



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

 20232022
Assets  
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$51 $25 
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $46; 2022, $28)  
Customer434 357 
Other8 12 
Accounts receivable from affiliates10 
Unbilled revenues (less reserve: 2023, $2; 2022, $2)149 224 
Materials and supplies99 69 
Prepayments44 34 
Regulatory assets57 13 
Other current assets17 22 
Total Current Assets869 759 
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Regulated utility plant15,575 14,794 
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant3,822 3,544 
Regulated utility plant, net11,753 11,250 
Construction work in progress680 593 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net12,433 11,843 
Other Noncurrent Assets  
Regulatory assets598 568 
Intangibles269 269 
Other noncurrent assets (less reserve for accounts receivable: 2023, $2; 2022, $2)125 126 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets992 963 
Total Assets$14,294 $13,565 
 2017 2016
Assets 
  
Current Assets 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$49
 $13
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2017, $24; 2016, $28) 
  
Customer279
 272
Other71
 21
Unbilled revenues127
 114
Materials and supplies34
 32
Prepayments6
 9
Regulatory assets16

19
Other current assets6
 8
Total Current Assets588
 488
    
Property, Plant and Equipment 
  
Regulated utility plant10,785
 9,654
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant2,778
 2,714
Regulated utility plant, net8,007
 6,940
Construction work in progress508
 641
Property, Plant and Equipment, net8,515
 7,581
    
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Regulatory assets709
 1,094
Intangibles259
 251
Other noncurrent assets11
 12
Total Other Noncurrent Assets979
 1,357
    
Total Assets$10,082
 $9,426

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.







115
82


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

2017 2016 20232022
Liabilities and Equity 
  
Liabilities and Equity  
Current Liabilities 
  
Current Liabilities  
Short-term debt$
 $295
Long-term debt due within one year
 224
Accounts payable386
 367
Accounts payable to affiliates31
 42
Taxes8
 12
Interest36
 34
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities86
 83
Other current liabilities98
 101
Total Current Liabilities645
 1,158
   
Long-term Debt3,298
 2,607
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt
   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
  
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities  
Deferred income taxes1,154
 1,899
Accrued pension obligations246
 281
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities668
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities79
 90
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities2,147
 2,270
   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 13)

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
   
Equity
Equity
Equity 
  
  
Common stock - no par value (a)364
 364
Additional paid-in capital2,729
 2,154
Earnings reinvested899
 873
Total Equity3,992
 3,391
   
Total Liabilities and Equity$10,082
 $9,426
Total Liabilities and Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
(a)170,000 shares authorized; 66,368 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(a)170,000 shares authorized; 66,368 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





116
83



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 
Common stock shares outstanding
(a)
 
Common
stock
 
Additional paid-in
capital
 
Earnings
reinvested
 Total
December 31, 201466,368
 $364
 $1,603
 $750
 $2,717
Net income 
  
  
 252
 252
Capital contributions from PPL (b) 
  
 331
  
 331
Dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (181) (181)
December 31, 201566,368
 $364
 $1,934
 $821
 $3,119
          
Net income 
  
  
 340
 340
Capital contributions from PPL 
  
 220
  
 220
Dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (288) (288)
December 31, 201666,368
 $364
 $2,154
 $873
 $3,391
          
Net income 
  
  
 362
 362
Capital contributions from PPL 
  
 575
  
 575
Dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (336) (336)
December 31, 201766,368
 $364
 $2,729
 $899
 $3,992
 Common stock shares outstanding
(a)
Common
stock
Additional paid-in
capital
Earnings
reinvested
Total
December 31, 202066,368 $364 $3,753 $1,007 $5,124 
Net income   445 445 
Capital contributions from parent  1,075  1,075 
Return of capital to parent(574)(574)
Dividends declared on common stock   (334)(334)
December 31, 202166,368 $364 $4,254 $1,118 $5,736 
Net income  525 525 
Return of capital to parent(170)(170)
Dividends declared on common stock   (340)(340)
December 31, 202266,368 $364 $4,084 $1,303 $5,751 
Net income   519 519 
Capital contributions from parent  206  206 
Return of capital to parent(250)(250)
Dividends declared on common stock   (323)(323)
December 31, 202366,368 $364 $4,040 $1,499 $5,903 
 
(a)Shares in thousands. All common shares of PPL Electric stock are owned by PPL.
(b)Includes non-cash contributions of $56 million. See Note 11 for additional information.

(a)Shares in thousands. All common shares of PPL Electric stock are owned by PPL.


The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





84
117






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)



 2017 2016 2015
Operating Revenues$3,156
 $3,141
 $3,115
      
Operating Expenses 
  
  
Operation 
  
  
Fuel759
 791
 863
Energy purchases178
 171
 184
Other operation and maintenance806
 804
 837
Depreciation439
 404
 382
Taxes, other than income65
 62
 57
Total Operating Expenses2,247
 2,232
 2,323
      
Operating Income909
 909
 792
      
Other Income (Expense) - net(3) (9) (8)
      
Interest Expense197
 197
 178
      
Interest Expense with Affiliate18
 17
 3
      
Income Before Income Taxes691
 686
 603
      
Income Taxes375
 257
 239
      
Net Income$316
 $429
 $364


The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




118




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 2017 2016 2015
Net income$316
 $429
 $364
      
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
  
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit: 
  
  
Defined benefit plans: 
  
  
Prior service costs, net of tax of $1, $0, $2(2) 
 (3)
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $13, $18, $2(23) (27) (4)
Reclassifications to net income - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit): 
  
  
Equity investees' other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax of $0, $0, $01
 (1) 
Defined benefit plans: 
  
  
Prior service costs, net of tax of ($1), ($1), ($1)1
 2
 1
Net actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax of ($2), ($1), ($3)5
 2
 5
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(18) (24) (1)
      
Comprehensive income$298
 $405
 $363
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


119


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
 2017 2016 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
  
  
Net income$316
 $429
 $364
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 
  
  
Depreciation439
 404
 382
Amortization24
 29
 27
Defined benefit plans - expense25
 27
 38
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits294
 291
 236
Other
 
 2
Change in current assets and current liabilities 
  
  
Accounts receivable(12) (31) 24
Accounts payable(9) 24
 (58)
Accounts payable to affiliates2
 1
 (2)
Unbilled revenues(33) (23) 20
Fuel, materials and supplies45
 2
 6
Income tax receivable
 1
 135
Taxes payable27
 (7) 10
Accrued interest
 
 9
Other34
 (6) 23
Other operating activities 
  
  
Defined benefit plans - funding(35) (85) (70)
Settlement of interest rate swaps
 (9) (88)
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations(34) (26) (7)
Other assets8
 2
 (7)
Other liabilities8
 4
 19
Net cash provided by operating activities1,099
 1,027
 1,063
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
  
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment(892) (791) (1,210)
Other investing activities4
 1
 7
Net cash used in investing activities(888) (790) (1,203)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
  
Net increase in notes payable with affiliates62
 109
 13
Issuance of long-term note with affiliate
 
 400
Issuance of long-term debt160
 221
 1,050
Retirement of long-term debt(70) (246) (900)
Distributions to member(402) (316) (219)
Contributions from member
 61
 125
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt59
 (80) (310)
Other financing activities

(3) (3) (10)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(194) (254) 149
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents17
 (17) 9
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period13
 30
 21
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$30
 $13
 $30
      
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information     
Cash paid (received) during the period for:     
Interest - net of amount capitalized$204
 $198
 $163
Income taxes - net$48
 $(24) $(139)
Significant non-cash transactions:     
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,$174
 $104
 $150
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


120


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 2017 2016
Assets 
  
Current Assets 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$30
 $13
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2017, $25; 2016, $24) 
  
Customer246
 235
Other44
 17
Unbilled revenues203
 170
Fuel, materials and supplies254
 297
Prepayments25
 24
Regulatory assets18
 20
Other current assets8
 4
Total Current Assets828
 780
    
Property, Plant and Equipment 
  
Regulated utility plant13,187
 12,746
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant1,785
 1,465
Regulated utility plant, net11,402
 11,281
Construction work in progress627
 317
Property, Plant and Equipment, net12,029
 11,598
    
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Regulatory assets795
 824
Goodwill996
 996
Other intangibles86
 95
Other noncurrent assets68
 78
Total Other Noncurrent Assets1,945
 1,993
    
Total Assets$14,802
 $14,371
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.



121


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 2017 2016
Liabilities and Equity 
  
Current Liabilities 
  
Short-term debt$244
 $185
Long-term debt due within one year98
 194
Notes payable with affiliates225
 163
Accounts payable338
 251
Accounts payable to affiliates7
 6
Customer deposits58
 56
Taxes66
 39
Price risk management liabilities4

4
Regulatory liabilities9
 18
Interest32
 32
Asset retirement obligations85
 60
Other current liabilities161
 119
Total Current Liabilities1,327
 1,127
    
Long-term Debt 
  
Long-term debt4,661
 4,471
Long-term debt to affiliate400
 400
Total Long-term Debt5,061
 4,871
    
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
  
Deferred income taxes866
 1,735
Investment tax credits129
 132
Price risk management liabilities22

27
Accrued pension obligations365
 350
Asset retirement obligations271
 373
Regulatory liabilities2,036
 899
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities162
 190
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities3,851
 3,706
    
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 13)

 

    
Member's equity4,563
 4,667
    
Total Liabilities and Equity$14,802
 $14,371
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.



122


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)

 
Member's
Equity
December 31, 2014$4,248
Net income364
Contributions from member125
Distributions to member(219)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(1)
December 31, 2015$4,517
  
Net income$429
Contributions from member61
Distributions to member(316)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(24)
December 31, 2016$4,667
  
Net income$316
Distributions to member(402)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(18)
December 31, 2017$4,563
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


123




























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85
124





STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Millions of Dollars)

2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Operating Revenues 
  
  Operating Revenues   
Retail and wholesale$1,422
 $1,406
 $1,407
Electric revenue from affiliate31
 24
 37
Total Operating Revenues1,453
 1,430
 1,444
     
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses 
  
     
Operation 
  
  Operation   
Fuel292
 301
 329
Energy purchases160
 153
 166
Energy purchases from affiliate10
 14
 20
Other operation and maintenance355
 355
 377
Depreciation183
 170
 162
Taxes, other than income33
 32
 28
Total Operating Expenses1,033
 1,025
 1,082
     
Operating Income420
 405
 362
Operating Income
Operating Income
     
Other Income (Expense) – net(5) (5) (6)
Other Income (Expense) – net
Other Income (Expense) – net
     
Interest Income from Affiliates
Interest Income from Affiliates
Interest Income from Affiliates
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Interest Expense71
 71
 57
     
Income Before Income Taxes344
 329
 299
Income Before Income Taxes
Income Before Income Taxes
     
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Income Taxes131
 126
 114
     
Net Income (a)$213
 $203
 $185
Net Income (a)
Net Income (a)
 
(a)Net income equals comprehensive income.

(a)Net income equals comprehensive income.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





125
86



STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Millions of Dollars)
2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net income$213
 $203
 $185
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  
Depreciation183
 170
 162
Amortization14
 14
 11
Defined benefit plans - expense7
 8
 12
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits126
 147
 126
Other1
 
 8
Change in current assets and current liabilities     Change in current assets and current liabilities  
Accounts receivable(7) (22) 19
Accounts receivable from affiliates4
 (16) 11
Accounts payable(7) 31
 (29)
Accounts payable to affiliates(4) 1
 5
Unbilled revenues(16) (8) 9
Fuel, materials and supplies12
 8
 3
Income tax receivable
 4
 70
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Taxes payable
Taxes payable
Taxes payable(15) 20
 1
Accrued interest
 
 5
Other11
 (7) 17
Other operating activities     Other operating activities  
Defined benefit plans - funding(4) (46) (26)
Settlement of interest rate swaps
 (9) (44)
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations(15) (18) (6)
Other assets5
 
 11
Other liabilities4
 2
 4
Net cash provided by operating activities512
 482
 554
Cash Flows from Investing Activities     Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment(458) (439) (689)
Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities(458) (439) (689)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities     Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates
Issuance of long-term debt160
 125
 550
Retirement of long-term debt(70) (150) (250)
Payment of common stock dividends to parent
Payment of common stock dividends to parent
Payment of common stock dividends to parent(192) (128) (119)
Contributions from parent30
 71
 90
Return of capital to parent
Retirement of commercial paper
Retirement of commercial paper
Retirement of commercial paper
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt30
 27
 (122)
Other financing activities
(2) (2) (5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(44) (57) 144
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents10
 (14) 9
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period5
 19
 10
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$15
 $5
 $19
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period
     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information     
Cash paid (received) during the period for:     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information  
Cash paid during the period for:Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest - net of amount capitalized$65
 $65
 $48
Income taxes - net$22
 $(43) $(81)
Significant non-cash transactions:     
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,$92
 $56
 $97
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,


The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




12687



BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

2017 2016 20232022
Assets 
  
Assets  
Current Assets 
  
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $5
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2017, $1; 2016, $2) 
  
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $6; 2022, $3)Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $6; 2022, $3)  
Customer116
 109
Other13
 11
Unbilled revenues91
 75
Unbilled revenues (less reserve: 2023, $0; 2022, $0)
Accounts receivable from affiliates24
 28
Fuel, materials and supplies131
 143
Prepayments11
 12
Regulatory assets
Regulatory assets
Regulatory assets12
 9
Other current assets3
 1
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets416
 393
   
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment 
  
  
Regulated utility plant5,587
 5,357
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant614
 498
Regulated utility plant, net4,973
 4,859
Construction work in progress305
 133
Property, Plant and Equipment, net5,278
 4,992
   
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other Noncurrent Assets  
Regulatory assets411
 450
Goodwill389
 389
Other intangibles53
 59
Other noncurrent assets12
 17
Total Other Noncurrent Assets865
 915
   
Total Assets$6,559
 $6,300
Total Assets
Total Assets
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




12788


BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

2017 2016 20232022
Liabilities and Equity 
  
Liabilities and Equity  
Current Liabilities 
  
Current Liabilities  
Short-term debt$199
 $169
Long-term debt due within one year98
 194
Accounts payable
Accounts payable
Accounts payable179
 148
Accounts payable to affiliates23
 26
Customer deposits27
 27
Taxes25
 40
Price risk management liabilities4
 4
Regulatory liabilities3
 5
Interest11
 11
Asset retirement obligations24
 41
Other current liabilities52
 36
Total Current Liabilities645
 701
   
Long-term Debt1,611
 1,423
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt
   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
  
  
Deferred income taxes572
 974
Investment tax credits35
 36
Price risk management liabilities22
 27
Accrued pension obligations45
 53
Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations97
 104
Regulatory liabilities919
 419
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities86
 87
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities1,776
 1,700
   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 13)

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
   
Stockholder's Equity 
  
Equity
Equity
Equity  
Common stock - no par value (a)424
 424
Additional paid-in capital1,712
 1,682
Earnings reinvested391
 370
Total Equity2,527
 2,476
   
Total Liabilities and Equity$6,559
 $6,300
Total Liabilities and Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
(a)75,000 shares authorized; 21,294 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(a)75,000 shares authorized; 21,294 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





128
89



STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Millions of Dollars)
 
Common
stock
shares
outstanding
(a)
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Earnings
reinvested
 Total
December 31, 201421,294
 $424
 $1,521
 $229
 $2,174
Net income 
  
  
 185
 185
Capital contributions from LKE 
  
 90
  
 90
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (119) (119)
December 31, 201521,294
 $424
 $1,611
 $295
 $2,330
          
Net income      203
 203
Capital contributions from LKE 
  
 71
   71
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (128) (128)
December 31, 201621,294
 $424
 $1,682
 $370
 $2,476
          
Net income      213
 213
Capital contributions from LKE 
  
 30
   30
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (192) (192)
December 31, 201721,294
 $424
 $1,712
 $391
 $2,527
 Common
stock
shares
outstanding
(a)
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Earnings
reinvested
Total
December 31, 202021,294 $424 $1,923 $601 $2,948 
Net income   249 249 
Capital contributions from parent  74  74 
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (192)(192)
December 31, 202121,294 $424 $1,997 $658 $3,079 
Net income272 272 
Capital contributions from parent  90 90 
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (275)(275)
December 31, 202221,294 $424 $2,087 $655 $3,166 
Net income266 266 
Capital contributions from parent  67 67 
Return of capital to parent(161)(161)
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (166)(166)
December 31, 202321,294 $424 $1,993 $755 $3,172 
 
(a)Shares in thousands. All common shares of LG&E stock are owned by LKE.
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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91





STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Millions of Dollars)

2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Operating Revenues 
    Operating Revenues  
Retail and wholesale$1,734
 $1,735
 $1,708
Electric revenue from affiliate10
 14
 20
Total Operating Revenues1,744
 1,749
 1,728
     
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses 
  
     
Operation 
  
  Operation   
Fuel467
 490
 534
Energy purchases18
 18
 18
Energy purchases from affiliate31
 24
 37
Other operation and maintenance424
 424
 435
Depreciation255
 234
 220
Taxes, other than income32
 30
 29
Total Operating Expenses1,227
 1,220
 1,273
     
Operating Income517
 529
 455
Operating Income
Operating Income
     
Other Income (Expense) – net
Other Income (Expense) – net
Other Income (Expense) – net(3) (5) 1
     
Interest Expense96
 96
 82
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
     
Interest Expense from Affiliate
Interest Expense from Affiliate
Interest Expense from Affiliate
Income Before Income Taxes
Income Before Income Taxes
Income Before Income Taxes418
 428
 374
     
Income Taxes159
 163
 140
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
     
Net Income (a)$259
 $265
 $234
Net Income (a)
Net Income (a)
 
(a)Net income approximates comprehensive income.

(a)Net income equals comprehensive income.

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





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92



STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Millions of Dollars)
2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities  
Net income$259
 $265
 $234
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 
  
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  
Depreciation255
 234
 220
Amortization9
 14
 13
Defined benefit plans - expense4
 5
 10
Defined benefit plans - expense (income)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits152
 126
 160
Other
 (1) (5)
Change in current assets and current liabilities 
  
  
Change in current assets and current liabilities  
Accounts receivable(5) (8) 5
Accounts receivable from affiliates
 1
 (1)
Accounts payable
 (10) (32)
Accounts payable to affiliates(6) 15
 (10)
Unbilled revenues(17) (15) 11
Fuel, materials and supplies32
 (6) 3
Income tax receivable
 
 59
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Taxes payable
Taxes payable
Taxes payable(26) 25
 6
Accrued interest
 
 5
Other7
 (3) 4
Other operating activities 
  
  
Other operating activities  
Defined benefit plans - funding(23) (20) (21)
Settlement of interest rate swaps
 
 (44)
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations
Expenditures for asset retirement obligations(19) (8) (1)
Other assets3
 (6) (11)
Other liabilities9
 (2) 3
Net cash provided by operating activities634
 606
 608
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment(432) (350) (519)
Other investing activities4
 1
 7
Net cash used in investing activities(428) (349) (512)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates
Issuance of long-term debt
 96
 500
Retirement of long-term debt
 (96) (250)
Payment of common stock dividends to parent(226) (248) (153)
Contributions from parent
 20
 
Return of capital to parent
Retirement of commercial paper
Retirement of commercial paper
Retirement of commercial paper
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt29
 (32) (188)
Other financing activities
(1) (1) (5)
Net cash used in financing activities(198) (261) (96)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents8
 (4) 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period7
 11
 11
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$15
 $7
 $11
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period
     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information     
Cash paid (received) during the period for:     
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information  
Cash paid during the period for:Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest - net of amount capitalized$92
 $89
 $75
Income taxes - net$34
 $13
 $(84)
Significant non-cash transactions:     
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,$82
 $47
 $53
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
Accrued expenditures for property, plant and equipment at December 31,
  
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.




13293



BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

2017 2016 20232022
Assets 
  
Assets  
Current Assets 
  
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $7
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2017, $1; 2016, $2) 
  
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $2; 2022, $3)Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2023, $2; 2022, $3)  
Customer130
 126
Other30
 5
Unbilled revenues112
 95
Unbilled revenues (less reserve: 2023, $0; 2022, $0)
Fuel, materials and supplies
Fuel, materials and supplies
Fuel, materials and supplies123
 154
Prepayments14
 12
Regulatory assets
Regulatory assets
Regulatory assets6
 11
Other current assets5
 3
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Total Current Assets435
 413
   
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment 
  
  
Regulated utility plant7,592
 7,382
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant1,170
 965
Regulated utility plant, net6,422
 6,417
Construction work in progress321
 181
Property, Plant and Equipment, net6,743
 6,598
   
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other Noncurrent Assets  
Regulatory assets384
 374
Goodwill607
 607
Other intangibles33
 36
Other noncurrent assets52
 57
Total Other Noncurrent Assets1,076
 1,074
   
Total Assets$8,254
 $8,085
Total Assets
Total Assets
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





133
94




BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)

2017 2016 20232022
Liabilities and Equity 
  
Liabilities and Equity  
Current Liabilities 
  
Current Liabilities  
Short-term debt$45
 $16
Long-term debt due within one year
Long-term debt due within one year
Long-term debt due within one year
Accounts payable137
 78
Accounts payable to affiliates53
 56
Customer deposits31
 29
Taxes19
 45
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities
Regulatory liabilities6
 13
Interest16
 16
Asset retirement obligations61
 19
Other current liabilities46
 36
Total Current Liabilities414
 308
   
Long-term Debt2,328
 2,327
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt
   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
  
  
Deferred income taxes691
 1,170
Investment tax credits94
 96
Accrued pension obligations36
 62
Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations174
 269
Regulatory liabilities1,117
 480
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities43
 50
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities2,155
 2,127
   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 13)

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 7 and 13)
   
Stockholder's Equity 
  
Equity
Equity
Equity  
Common stock - no par value (a)308
 308
Additional paid-in capital2,616
 2,616
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (1)
Earnings reinvested
Earnings reinvested
Earnings reinvested433
 400
Total Equity3,357
 3,323
   
Total Liabilities and Equity$8,254
 $8,085
Total Liabilities and Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
(a)80,000 shares authorized; 37,818 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
(a)     80,000 shares authorized; 37,818 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.





134
95



STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Millions of Dollars)

 
Common
stock
shares
outstanding
(a)
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Earnings
reinvested
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
(loss)
 Total
December 31, 201437,818
 $308
 $2,596
 $302
 $
 $3,206
Net income 
  
  
 234
  
 234
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (153)  
 (153)
December 31, 201537,818
 $308
 $2,596
 $383
 $
 $3,287
            
Net income      265
   265
Capital contributions from LKE 
  
 20
  
  
 20
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (248)  
 (248)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
  
  
  
 (1) (1)
December 31, 201637,818
 $308
 $2,616
 $400
 $(1) $3,323
            
Net income      259
   259
Cash dividends declared on common stock 
  
  
 (226)  
 (226)
Other comprehensive income (loss)        1
 1
December 31, 201737,818
 $308
 $2,616
 $433
 $
 $3,357
 Common
stock
shares
outstanding
(a)
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Earnings
reinvested
Total
December 31, 202037,818 $308 $2,857 $617 $3,782 
Net income   296 296 
Capital contributions from parent  100  100 
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (250)(250)
December 31, 202137,818 $308 $2,957 $663 $3,928 
Net income322 322 
Capital contributions from parent  84  84 
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (296)(296)
December 31, 202237,818 $308 $3,041 $689 $4,038 
Net income312 312 
Capital contributions from parent76 76 
Return of capital to parent(84)(84)
Cash dividends declared on common stock   (190)(190)
December 31, 202337,818 $308 $3,033 $811 $4,152 
 
(a)Shares in thousands. All common shares of KU stock are owned by LKE.
(a)Shares in thousands. All common shares of KU stock are owned by LKE.
 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.






 




13596



COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Index to Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The notes to the consolidated financial statements that follow are a combined presentation. The following list indicates the Registrants to which the footnotes apply:
Registrant
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesxxxx
2. Segment and Related Informationxxxx
3. Revenue from Contracts with Customersxxxx
4. Preferred Securitiesxxxx
5. Earnings Per Sharex
6. Income and Other Taxesxxxx
7. Utility Rate Regulationxxxx
8. Financing Activitiesxxxx
9. Acquisitions, Development and Divestituresx
10. Leasesxxxx
11. Retirement and Postemployment Benefitsxxxx
12. Jointly Owned Facilitiesxxx
13. Commitments and Contingenciesxxxx
14. Related Party Transactionsxxx
15. Other Income (Expense) - netxx
16. Fair Value Measurementsxxxx
17. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activitiesxxxx
18. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assetsxxxx
19. Asset Retirement Obligationsxxxx
20. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)x
21. New Accounting Guidance Pending Adoptionxxxx

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(All Registrants)

General

Capitalized terms and abbreviations appearing in the combined notes to financial statements are defined in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted. The specific Registrant to which disclosures are applicable is identified in parenthetical headings in italics above the applicable disclosure or within the applicable disclosure for each Registrants' related activities and disclosures. Within combined disclosures, amounts are disclosed for any Registrant when significant.

Business and Consolidation

(PPL)

PPL is a utility holding company that, through its regulated subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in: 1) the distribution of electricity in the U.K.; 2) the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the distribution and sale of natural gas, primarily in Kentucky; 2) the transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in Pennsylvania; and 3) the transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the distribution and sale of natural gas in Pennsylvania.Rhode Island. Headquartered in Allentown, PA, PPL's principal subsidiaries are PPL Global, LKE (including its principal subsidiaries, LG&E, and KU)KU, RIE and PPL Electric. PPL's corporate level financing subsidiary is PPL Capital Funding.



97

On March 17, 2021, PPL WPD Limited entered into a share purchase agreement to sell PPL's U.K. utility business, which prior to its sale substantially represented PPL's U.K. Regulated segment, to a subsidiary of National Grid plc. The sale was completed on June 14, 2021. The results of operations of the U.K. utility business are classified as Discontinued Operations on PPL's Statements of Income for 2022 and 2021. PPL Global, through indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries, operates distribution networks providing electricityhas elected to separately report the cash flows of continuing and discontinued operations on the Statements of Cash Flows for 2022 and 2021. Unless otherwise noted, the notes to these financial statements exclude amounts related to discontinued operations. See Note 9 for additional information.

On May 25, 2022, PPL Rhode Island Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL, acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Narragansett Electric from National Grid U.S., a subsidiary of National Grid plc. Narragansett Electric, whose service area covers substantially all of Rhode Island, is primarily engaged in the U.K. WPD serves end-users in South Walestransmission, distribution and southwestsale of electricity and central England. Its principal subsidiariesthe distribution and sale of natural gas. The results of Narragansett Electric are WPD (South Wales), WPD (South West), WPD (East Midlands) and WPD (West Midlands).
PPL consolidates WPD on a one-month lag. Material events, such as debt issuances that occurincluded in the lag period, are recognized inconsolidated results of PPL from the current period financial statements. Events that are significant but not material are disclosed.date of the acquisition. Following the closing of the acquisition, Narragansett Electric provides services doing business under the name Rhode Island Energy (RIE). See Note 9 for additional information.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric is a cost-based rate-regulated utility subsidiary of PPL. PPL Electric's principal business is the transmission and distribution of electricity to serve retail customers in its franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania and the regulated supply of electricity to retail customers in that territory as a PLR.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

LKE is a utility holding company with cost-based rate-regulated utility operations through its subsidiaries, LG&E and KU. LG&E and KU are engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. LG&E also engages in the distribution and sale of natural gas. LG&E and KU maintain their separate identities and serve customers in Kentucky under their respective names. KU also serves customers in Virginia under the Old Dominion Power name and in Tennessee under the KU name.
(PPL)
"Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)" on the 2015 Statement of Income includes the activities of PPL Energy Supply, substantially representing PPL's former Supply segment, which was spun off and distributed to PPL shareowners on June 1, 2015. In addition, the Statement of Cash Flows for the same period separately reports the cash flows of the discontinued operations. See Note 8 for additional information.

(All Registrants)

The financial statements of the Registrants include each company's own accounts as well as the accounts of all entities in which the company has a controlling financial interest. Entities for which a controlling financial interest is not demonstrated through voting interests are evaluated based on accounting guidance for Variable Interest Entities (VIEs). The Registrants consolidate a VIE when they are determined to have a controlling interest in the VIE and, as a result, are the primary beneficiary of the entity. The RegistrantsAmounts consolidated under the VIE guidance are not material to the primary beneficiary in any VIEs. Investments in entities in which a company has the ability toRegistrants.



136


exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments are carried at cost or fair value. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The financial statements of PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU include their share of any undivided interests in jointly owned facilities, as well as their share of the related operating costs of those facilities. See Note 12 for additional information.

Regulation
(PPL)
WPD operates in an incentive-based regulatory structure under distribution licenses granted by Ofgem. Electricity distribution revenues are set by Ofgem for a given time period through price control reviews that are not directly based on cost recovery. The price control formula that governs WPD's allowed revenue is designed to provide economic incentives to minimize operating, capital and financing costs. As a result, WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP and does not record regulatory assets and liabilities.

(PPL Electric, LG&E and KU)All Registrants)

PPL Electric, RIE, LG&E and KU are cost-based rate-regulated utilities for which rates are set by regulators to enable PPL Electric, RIE, LG&E and KU to recover the costs of providing electric or gas service, as applicable, and to provide a reasonable return to shareholders. Base rates are generally established based on a future test period. As a result, the financial statements are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP and reflect the effects of regulatory actions. Regulatory assets are recognized for the effect of transactions or events where future recovery of underlying costs is probable in regulated customer rates. The effect of such accounting is to defer certain or qualifying costs that would otherwise currently be charged to expense. Regulatory liabilities are recognized for amounts expected to be returned through future regulated customer rates. In certain cases, regulatory liabilities are recorded based on an understanding or agreement with the regulator that rates have been set to recover costs that are expected to be incurred in the future costs, and the regulated entity is accountable for any amounts charged pursuant to such rates and not yet expended for the intended purpose. The accounting for regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities is based on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each transaction or event as prescribed by the FERC or the applicable state regulatory commissions. See Note 67 for additional details regarding regulatory matters.

Accounting Records

The system of accounts for domestic regulated entities is maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the applicable state regulatory commissions.

(All Registrants)

98


Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Loss Accruals

Potential losses are accrued when (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting guidance defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." The Registrants continuously assess potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, regulatory penalties and other events. Loss accruals for environmental remediation are discounted when appropriate.

The accrual of contingencies that might result in gains is not recorded, unless realization is assured.


Earnings Per Share(PPL)

EPS is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation method for computing EPS that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that would otherwise have been available to common shareowners. Share-


137


basedShare-based payment awards that provide recipients a non-forfeitable right to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities.

Price Risk Management

(All Registrants)

Interest rate contracts are used to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of debt instruments and to hedge exposure to variability in expected cash flows associated with existing floating-rate debt instruments or forecasted fixed-rate issuances of debt. Foreign currency exchange contracts are usedDerivative instruments pursuant to hedge foreign currency exposures, primarilyregulator approved plans to manage commodity price risk associated with PPL's investmentsnatural gas purchases to reduce fluctuations in U.K. subsidiaries.natural gas prices and costs associated with these derivatives instruments are generally recoverable through approved cost recovery mechanism. Similar derivatives may receive different accounting treatment, depending on management's intended use and documentation.

Certain contracts may not meet the definition of a derivative because they lack a notional amount or a net settlement provision. In cases where there is no net settlement provision, markets are periodically assessed to determine whether market mechanisms have evolved that wouldto facilitate net settlement. Certain derivative contracts may be excluded from the requirements of derivative accounting treatment because NPNS has been elected. These contracts are accounted for using accrual accounting. Contracts that have been classified as derivative contracts are reflected on the balance sheets at fair value. The portion of derivative positions that deliver within a year are included in "Current Assets" and "Current Liabilities," while the portion of derivative positions that deliver beyond a year are recorded in "Other Noncurrent Assets" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities."


Cash inflows and outflows related to derivative instruments are included as a component of operating, investing or financing activities on the Statements of Cash Flows, depending on the classification of the hedged items.


PPL and its subsidiaries have elected not to offset net derivative positions against the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) under master netting arrangements.
(PPL)
Processes exist that allow for subsequent review and validation of the contract information as it relates to interest rate and foreign currency derivatives. The accounting department provides the treasury department with guidelines on appropriate accounting classifications for various contract types and strategies. Examples of accounting guidelines provided to the treasury department staff include, but are not limited to:
Transactions to lock in an interest rate prior to a debt issuance can be designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent the forecasted debt issuances remain probable of occurring.

Cross-currency transactions to hedge interest and principal repayments can be designated as cash flow hedges.

Transactions to hedge fluctuations in the fair value of existing debt can be designated as fair value hedges.

Transactions to hedge the value of a net investment of foreign operations can be designated as net investment hedges.

Derivative transactions that do not qualify for cash flow or net investment hedge treatment are marked to fair value through earnings. These transactions generally include foreign currency forwards and options to hedge GBP-denominated earnings translation risk associated with PPL's U.K. subsidiaries that report their financial statements in GBP. As such, these transactions reduce earnings volatility due solely to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

(All Registrants)


Derivative transactions may be marked to fair value through regulatory assets/liabilities at PPL Electric, RIE, LG&E and KU, if approved by the appropriate regulatory body. These transactions generally include the effect of interest rate swaps or commodity gas contracts that are included in customer rates.


(PPL and PPL Electric)

To meet its obligationtheir obligations as a PLRlast resort providers of electricity supply to itstheir customers, PPL Electric hasand RIE have entered into certain contracts that meet the definition of a derivative. However, NPNS has been elected for these contracts.


(All Registrants)



138
99


See Notes 16 and 17 for additional information on derivatives.

Revenue
(PPL)

Operating Revenues
For the years ended December 31, the Statements of Income "Operating Revenues" line item contains revenue from the following: 
 2017 2016 2015
Domestic electric and gas revenues (a)$5,351
 $5,297
 $5,239
U.K. operating revenues (b)2,091
 2,207
 2,410
Domestic - other5
 13
 20
Total$7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
(a)Represents revenues from cost-based rate-regulated generation, transmission and/or distribution in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, including regulated wholesale revenue.
(b)Primarily represents regulated electricity distribution revenues from the operation of WPD's distribution networks.

Revenue Recognition
(All Registrants)

Operating revenues are primarily recorded based on energy deliveries through the end of theeach calendar month. Unbilled retail revenues result because customers' bills are rendered throughout the month, rather than bills being rendered at the end of the month. For LKE,RIE, LG&E and KU, unbilled revenues for a month are calculated by multiplying an estimate of unbilled kWh or Mcf by the estimated average cents per kWh.kWh or Mcf. Any difference between estimated and actual revenues is adjusted the following month when the previous unbilled estimate is reversed and actual billings occur. For PPL Electric, unbilled revenues for a month are calculated by multiplying the actual unbilled kWhvolumes by an average ratethe price per customer class.tariff.

(PPL)
WPD is currently operating under the eight-year price control period of RIIO-ED1, which commenced for electric distribution companies on April 1, 2015. Ofgem has adopted a price control mechanism that establishes the amount ofPPL Electric's, RIE's, LG&E's and KU's base demand revenue WPD can earn, subject to certain true-ups, and provides for an increase or reduction in revenuesrates are determined based on incentives or penalties for performance relative to pre-established targets. WPD's allowed revenue primarily includes base demand revenue (adjusted for inflation using RPI), performance incentive revenues/penalties and adjustments for over or under-recovery from prior periods.
As the regulatory model is incentive based rather than a cost recovery model, WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, the accounting treatment of adjustments to base demand revenue and/or allowed revenue is evaluated primarily based on revenue recognition accounting guidance.
Unlike prior price control reviews, base demand revenue under RIIO-ED1 is adjusted during the price control period. The most significant of those adjustments are:
Inflation True-Up - The base demand revenue for the RIIO-ED1 period was set based on 2012/13 prices. Therefore an inflation factor as determined by forecasted RPI, provided by HM Treasury, is applied to base demand revenue.
Forecasted RPI is trued up to actuals and affects future base demand revenue two regulatory years later. This revenue change is called the "TRU" adjustment.

Annual Iteration Process (AIP) - The RIIO-ED1 price control period also includes an AIP. This will allow future base demand revenues agreed with the regulator as part of the price control review, to be updated during the price control period for financial adjustments including tax, pensions, cost of debt, legacy price control adjustments from preceding price control periodsservice. Some regulators have also authorized the use of additional alternative revenue programs, which enable PPL Electric, RIE, LG&E and adjustments relatingKU to actual and allowed total expenditure together with the Totex Incentive Mechanism (TIM). Under the TIM, WPD's DNOs are able to retain 70% of any amounts not spent against the RIIO-ED1


139


plan and bear 70% of any over-spends. The AIP calculates an incremental change to base demand revenue, known as the "MOD" adjustment.

As both MOD and TRU are changes toadjust future base demand revenues as determined by Ofgem, these adjustments are recognized as a component of revenues in future years in which service is provided and revenues are collected or returned to customers.
In addition to base demand revenue, certain other items are added or subtracted to arrive at allowed revenue. The most significant of these are:
Incentives - Ofgem has established incentives to provide opportunities for DNO's to enhance overall returns by improving network efficiency, reliability and customer service. These incentives can result in an increase or reduction in revenues based on incentives or penalties for actual performance against pre-established targetsrates based on past performance. The annual incentives and penaltiesactivities or completed events. Revenues from alternative revenue programs are reflected in customers' rates on a two-year lagrecognized when the specific events permitting future billings have occurred. Revenues from the time theyalternative revenue programs are earned and/or assessed. Incentiverequired to be presented separately from revenues and penaltiesfrom contracts with customers. These amounts are, included inhowever, presented as revenues when they are billedfrom contracts with customers, with an offsetting adjustment to customers.

Correction Factor - During the current price control period, WPD sets its tariffs to recover allowed revenue. However, in any fiscal period, WPD'salternative revenue could be negatively affected if its tariffs and the volume delivered do not fully recover theprogram revenue, allowed for a particular period. Conversely, WPD could also over-recover revenue. Over and under-recoveries are subtracted from or added to allowed revenue in future years when they are billed to customers known as the "Correction Factor" or "K-factor." Overin future periods. See Note 3 for additional information.

Financing and under-recovered amounts arising for the periods beginning with the 2014/15 regulatory year and refunded/recovered under RIIO-ED1 will be refunded/recovered on a two year lag (previously one year). Therefore the 2014/15 over/under-recovery adjustment occurred in the 2016/17 regulatory year.Other Receivables

Accounts Receivable

(All Registrants)

Accounts receivable are reported on the Balance Sheets at the gross outstanding amount adjusted for an allowance for doubtful accounts. Financing receivables include accounts receivable, with the exception of those items within accounts receivable that are not subject to the current expected credit loss model.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

AccountsFinancing receivable collectability is evaluated using a current expected credit loss model, consisting of a combination of factors, including past due status based on contractual terms, trends in write-offs and the age of the receivable. Specific events, such as bankruptcies, are also considered when applicable. The Registrants also evaluate the impact of observable external factors on the collectability of the financing receivables to determine if adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts should be made based on current conditions or reasonable and supportable forecasts. Adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made when necessary based on the results of analysis, the aging of receivables and historical and industry trends.
these analyses. Accounts receivable are written off in the period in which the receivable is deemed uncollectible.

PPL Electric, RIE, LG&E and KU have identified one class of financing receivables, “accounts receivable - customer”, which includes financing receivables for all billed and unbilled sales with customers. All other financing receivables are classified as other.



100

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were: are included in the following table. Amounts relate to financing receivables, except as noted.
Additions
Balance at
Beginning of Period
Charged to IncomeDeductions (a)Balance at
End of Period
PPL   
2023$95 $87 $52 $130 (c)
202269 78 52 95 (c)
202173 26 30 69 (c)
PPL Electric
   
2023$33 $52 $35 $50 (b)
202235 27 29 33 (b)
202141 13 19 35 (b)
LG&E   
2023$$$$
2022
2021
KU   
2023$$$$
2022
2021
   Additions    
 
Balance at
Beginning of Period
 Charged to Income 
Charged to
Other Accounts
 Deductions (a) 
Balance at
End of Period
PPL         
2017$54
 $28
 $(1) $30
 $51
201641
 44
 
 31
 54
201544
 49
 (2) 50
 41
          
PPL Electric         
2017$28
 $18
 $
 $22
 $24
201616
 35
 
 23
 28
201517
 39
 
 40
 16


(a)Primarily related to uncollectible accounts written off.

(b)Includes $3 million related to other accounts receivables at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
140


(c)Includes $41 million, $36 million and $32 million related to other accounts receivables at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.


   Additions    
 
Balance at
Beginning of Period
 Charged to Income 
Charged to
Other Accounts
 Deductions (a) 
Balance at
End of Period
          
LKE         
2017$24
 $8
 $(1) $6
 $25
201623
 8
 
 7
 24
201525
 9
 (2) 9
 23
          
LG&E         
2017$2
 $2
 $(1) $2
 $1
20161
 2
 1
 2
 2
20152
 2
 
 3
 1
          
KU         
2017$2
 $4
 $(1) $4
 $1
20162
 4
 
 4
 2
20152
 5
 
 5
 2
(a)Primarily related to uncollectible accounts written off.


Cash


(All Registrants)


Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.


(PPL, LG&E and PPL Electric)KU)

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Bank deposits and other cash equivalents that are restricted by agreement or that have been clearly designated for a specific purpose are classified as restricted cash and cash equivalents. The change in restricted cash and cash equivalents is reported as an investing activity on the Statements of Cash Flows. On the Balance Sheets, the current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents is included in "Other current assets," while the noncurrent portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets." See Note 16 for a reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash reported within the Balance Sheets to the amounts shown on the Statements of Cash Flows.

At December 31, the balances of restricted cash and cash equivalents included the following: 
 PPL PPL Electric
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Low carbon network fund (a)$17
 $17
 $
 $
Other9
 9
 2
 2
Total$26
 $26
 $2
 $2
(a)Funds received by WPD, which are to be spent on approved initiatives to support a low carbon environment.


(All Registrants)


Fair Value Measurements

The Registrants value certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value. Generally, the most significant fair value measurements relate to price risk management assets and liabilities, investments in securities in defined benefit plans, and cash and cash equivalents. PPL and its subsidiaries use, as appropriate, a market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques and option-pricing models) and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) to measure the fair value of an asset or liability. These valuation approaches incorporate inputs such as observable, independent market data and/or unobservable data that management believes are predicated on the




141101


assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability. These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk.

The Registrants classify fair value measurements within one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy. The level assigned to a fair value measurement is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.


Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.


Level 3 - unobservable inputs that management believes are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to measure the asset or liability at fair value.


Assessing the significance of a particular input requires judgment that considers factors specific to the asset or liability. As such, the Registrants' assessment of the significance of a particular input may affect how the assets and liabilities are classified within the fair value hierarchy.

Investments
(All Registrants)

Generally, the original maturity date of an investment and management's intent and ability to sell an investment prior to its original maturity determine the classification of investments as either short-term or long-term. Investments that would otherwise be classified as short-term, but are restricted as to withdrawal or use for other than current operations or are clearly designated for expenditure in the acquisition or construction of noncurrent assets or for the liquidation of long-term debts, are classified as long-term.

Short-term Investments in entities in which a company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments are carried at cost or fair value. These investments are included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets. Earnings from these investments are recorded in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statements of Income.

Short-term investments generally include certain deposits as well as securities that are considered highly liquid or provide for periodic reset of interest rates. Investments with original maturities greater than three months and less than a year, as well as investments with original maturities of greater than a year that management has the ability and intent to sell within a year, are included in "Other current assets" on the Balance Sheets.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Cost Method Investment
LG&E and KU each have an investment in OVEC, which is accounted for using the cost method. The investment is recorded in "Other noncurrent assets" on the PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU Balance Sheets. LG&E and KU and ten other electric utilities are equity owners of OVEC. OVEC's power is currently supplied to LG&E and KU and 11 other companies affiliated with the various owners. LG&E and KU own 5.63% and 2.5% of OVEC's common stock. Pursuant to a power purchase agreement, LG&E and KU are contractually entitled to their ownership percentage of OVEC's output, which is approximately 120 MW for LG&E and approximately 53 MW for KU.
LG&E's and KU's combined investment in OVEC is not significant. The direct exposure to loss as a result of LG&E's and KU's involvement with OVEC is generally limited to the value of their investments; however, LG&E and KU are conditionally responsible for a pro-rata share of certain OVEC obligations, pursuant to their power purchase contract with OVEC. As part of PPL's acquisition of LKE, the value of the power purchase contract was recorded as an intangible asset with an offsetting regulatory liability, both of which are being amortized using the units-of-production method until March 2026. See Notes 6, 13 and 18 for additional discussion of the power purchase agreement.


142



Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment
(All Registrants)

PP&E is recorded at original cost, unless impaired. PP&E acquired in business combinations is recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value at that time, which becomes the new cost basis of the asset. PP&E acquired in business combinations is recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition. Original cost for constructed assets includes material, labor, contractor costs, certain overheads and financing costs, where applicable. Included in PP&E are capitalized costs of software projects that were developed or obtained for internal use. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred. The Registrants record costs associated with planned major maintenance projects in the period in which thework is performed and costs are incurred. No costs associated with planned major maintenance projects are accrued to PP&E in advance of the period in which the work is performed. LG&E and KU accrue costs of removal net of estimated salvage value through depreciation, which is included in the calculation of customer rates over the assets' depreciable lives in accordance with regulatory practices. Cost of removal amounts accrued through depreciation rates are accumulated as a regulatory liability until the removal costs are incurred. For LKE, LG&E and KU, all ARO depreciation expenses are reclassified to a regulatory asset. See "Asset Retirement Obligations" below and Note 6 for additional information. PPL Electric records net costs of removal when incurred as a regulatory asset. The regulatory asset is subsequently amortized through depreciation over a five-year period, which is recoverable in customer rates in accordance with regulatory practices.

AFUDC is capitalized at PPL Electric and RIE as part of the construction costs for cost-based rate-regulated projects for which a return on such costs is recovered after the project is placed in service. AFUDC is capitalized at LG&E and KU for certain projects as part of the construction cost of approved projects. LG&E and KU are generally provided a return on construction work in progress for other projects. The debt component of AFUDC is credited to "Interest Expense" and the equity component is credited to "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statements of Income. LG&E and KU generally do not record AFUDC, except for certain instances in KU's FERC approved rates charged to its municipal customers, as a return is provided on construction work in progress.

(PPL)
PPL capitalizesThe Registrants capitalize interest costs as part of construction costs. Capitalized interest, including the debt component of AFUDC, for PPL, was $11 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015.the years ended December 31 is as follows:

Depreciation
102


(All Registrants)Table of Contents
202320222021
PPL$12 $$
PPL Electric
LG&E— — 
KU— — 

Depreciation

Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful lives of property using various methods including the straight-line, composite and group methods. When a component of PP&E that was depreciated under the composite or group method is retired, the original cost is charged to accumulated depreciation. When all or a significant portion of an operating unit that
was depreciated under the composite or group method is retired or sold, the property and the related accumulated depreciation account is reduced and any gain or loss is included in income, unless otherwise required by regulators. RIE, LG&E and KU accrue costs of removal net of estimated salvage value through depreciation, which is included in the calculation of customer rates over the assets' depreciable lives in accordance with regulatory practices. Cost of removal amounts accrued through depreciation rates are accumulated as a regulatory liability until the removal costs are incurred. For LG&E and KU, all ARO depreciation expenses are reclassified to a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. See "Asset Retirement Obligations" below and Note 7 for additional information. PPL Electric records net costs of removal when incurred as a regulatory asset. The regulatory asset is subsequently amortized through depreciation over a five-year period, which is recoverable in customer rates in accordance with regulatory practices.

Following are the weighted-average annual rates of depreciation, for regulated utility plant, for the years ended December 31:
202320222021
PPL3.26 %3.21 %3.61 %
PPL Electric2.62 %2.75 %3.05 %
LG&E4.00 %4.16 %3.99 %
KU3.95 %4.01 %4.17 %
 2017 2016 2015
PPL2.65% 2.73% 2.57%
PPL Electric2.86% 2.63% 2.46%
LKE3.64% 3.69% 3.69%
LG&E3.63% 3.58% 3.65%
KU3.66% 3.77% 3.71%

(All Registrants)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination.

Other acquired intangible assets are initially measured based on their fair value. Intangibles that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives based upon the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed


143


or otherwise used. Costs incurred to obtain an initial license and renew or extend terms of licenses are capitalized as intangible assets.

When determining the useful life of an intangible asset, including intangible assets that are renewed or extended, PPL and its subsidiaries consider:


the expected use of the asset;
the expected useful life of other assets to which the useful life of the intangible asset may relate;
legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life;
the company's historical experience as evidence of its ability to support renewal or extension;
the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors; and,
the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset.

Asset Impairment (Excluding Investments)

The Registrants review long-lived assets that are subject to depreciation or amortization, including finite-lived intangibles, for impairment when events or circumstances indicate carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

A long-lived asset classified as held and used is impaired when the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If impaired, the asset's carrying value is written down to its fair value.




103

A long-lived asset classified as held for sale is impaired when the carrying amount of the asset (disposal group) exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. If impaired, the asset's (disposal group's) carrying value is written down to its fair value less cost to sell.

PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU review goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may be greater than the unit's fair value. Additionally, goodwill must be tested for impairment in circumstances when a portion of goodwill has been allocated to a business to be disposed. PPL's, LKE's, LG&E's and KU's reporting units are primarily at the operating segment level.

Goodwill recognized upon the acquisition of Narragansett Electric was assigned for impairment testing by PPL to its reporting units expected to benefit from the acquisition, which were the Rhode Island Regulated reporting unit, the Pennsylvania Regulated reporting unit and the Kentucky Regulated reporting unit. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the acquisition.

PPL, LKE,for its reporting units, and individually, LG&E and KU, may elect either to initially make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of an impairment of goodwill or to bypass the qualitative evaluation and test goodwill for impairment using a two-step quantitative test. If the qualitative evaluation (referred to as "step zero")step zero) is elected and the assessment results in a determination that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the two-step quantitative impairment test is not necessary. However, the quantitative impairment test is required if management concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount based on the step zero assessment.
If the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the implied fair valuetotal amount of goodwill must be calculated in the same manner as goodwill in a business combination. The fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all assetsthat reporting unit.

As of October 1, 2023, PPL, for its reporting units, and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value.
PPL (for its U.K. Regulated and Kentucky Regulated segments), and individually, LKE, LG&E and KU, elected to perform the qualitative step zero evaluation of goodwill as of October 1, 2017.goodwill. These evaluations considered the excess of fair value over the carrying value of each reporting unit that was calculated during step one of the quantitative impairment tests performed in the fourth quarter of 2015,2022, and the relevant events and circumstances that occurred since those tests were performed including:


current year financial performance versus the prior year;year,
changes in planned capital expenditures;expenditures,
the consistency of forecasted free cash flows;flows,
earnings quality and sustainability;sustainability,
changes in market participant discount rates;rates,
changes in long-term growth rates,
changes in PPL's market capitalization;capitalization, and
the overall economic and regulatory environments in which these regulated entities operate.



144



Based on these evaluations, management concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of these reporting units was less than their carrying value. As such, the two-stepstep one quantitative impairment test was not performed and no impairment was recognized.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)


Asset Retirement Obligations

PPL and its subsidiaries record liabilities to reflect various legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. Initially, this obligation is measured at fair value and offset with an increase in the value of the capitalized asset, which is depreciated over the asset's useful life. Until the obligation is settled, the liability is increased through the recognition of accretion expense classified within "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Incometo reflect changes in the obligation due to the passage of time. For LKE, LG&E and KU, all ARO accretion and depreciation expenses are reclassified as a regulatory asset.asset or regulatory liability. ARO regulatory assets associated with certain CCR projects are amortized to expense in accordance with regulatory approvals. For other AROs, at the time of retirement, the related ARO regulatory assetdeferred accretion and depreciation expense is offset against the associatedrecovered through cost of removal regulatory liability, PP&E and ARO liability.removal.

Estimated ARO costs and settlement dates, which affect the carrying value of the ARO and the related capitalized asset, are reviewed periodically to ensure that any material changes are incorporated into the latest estimate of the ARO. Any change to the capitalized asset, positive or negative, is generally amortized over the remaining life of the associated long-lived asset. See Note 67 and Note 19 for additional information on AROs.



104

Compensation and Benefits

Defined Benefits(All Registrants)

Certain PPL subsidiaries sponsor various defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. An asset or liability is recorded to recognize the funded status of all defined benefit plans with an offsetting entry to AOCI or, for LG&E, KU, RIE and PPL Electric, to regulatory assets or liabilities. Consequently, the funded status of all defined benefit plans is fully recognized on the Balance Sheets.

The expected return on plan assets is determined based on a market-related value of plan assets, which is calculated by rolling forward the prior year market-related value with contributions, disbursements and long-term expected return on investments. One-fifth of the difference between the actual value and the expected value is added (or subtracted if negative) to the expected value to determine the new market-related value.

PPL usesand its subsidiaries, excluding RIE, use an accelerated amortization method for the recognition of gains and losses for its defined benefit pension plans. Under the accelerated method, actuarial gains and losses in excess of 30% of the plan's projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over one-half of the expected average remaining service of active plan participants.required amortization period. Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the plan's projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets and less than 30% of the plan's projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service periodfull required amortization period. RIE uses the standard amortization method under GAAP for recognition of active plan participants.gains and losses for its defined benefit pension plan.

See Note 67 for a discussion of the regulatory treatment of defined benefit costs and Note 11 for a discussion of defined benefits.


Discount Rate Change for U.K. Pension Plans(PPL)
In selecting the discount rate for its U.K. pension plans, WPD historically used a single weighted-average discount rate in the calculation of net periodic defined benefit cost. WPD began using individual spot rates to measure service cost and interest cost for the calculation of net periodic defined benefit cost in 2016. In 2016, this change in discount rate resulted in lower net periodic defined benefit costs recognized on PPL's Statement of Income of $43 million ($34 million after-tax or $0.05 per share).

See Note 11 for additional information.

Stock-Based Compensation(PPL, PPL Electric and LKE)(PPL)

PPL has several stock-based compensation plans for purposes of granting stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units to certain employees as well as stock units and restricted stock units to directors. PPL grants most stock-


145


basedstock-based compensation awards in the first quarter of each year. PPL and its subsidiaries recognizerecognizes compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards based on the fair value method. Forfeitures of awards are recognized when they occur. See Note 10 for a discussion of stock-based compensation. All awards are recorded as equity or a liability on the Balance Sheets. Stock-based compensation expense is primarily included in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income. Stock-based compensation expense for PPL Electric and LKE includes an allocation of PPL Services' expense.

Taxes

Income Taxes

(All Registrants)

PPL and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return.

The Registrants have completed or made reasonable estimates of the effects of the TCJA and reflected these amounts in their December 31, 2017 financial statements. The Registrants continue to evaluate the application of the TCJA and have used significant management judgment to make certain assumptions concerning the application of various components of the law in the calculation of 2017 income tax expense. The current and deferred components of the income tax expense calculations that the Registrants consider provisional due to uncertainty either with respect to the technical application of the law or the quantification of the impact of the law include (but are not limited to): tax depreciation, deductible executive compensation, and the accumulated foreign earnings used to calculate the deemed dividend included in PPL's taxable income in 2017 along with the impact of associated foreign tax credits and related valuation allowances. The Registrants believe that classification of these items as provisional is appropriate. The Registrants have accounted for these items based on their interpretation of the TCJA.

Further interpretive guidance on the TCJA from the IRS, Treasury, the Joint Committee on Taxation through its "Blue Book" or from Congress in the form of Technical Corrections may differ from the Registrants' interpretation of the TCJA.

Significant management judgment is also required in developing the Registrants' provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken or expected to be taken inon tax returns and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and whether the undistributed earnings of WPD are considered indefinitely reinvested.assets.

Significant management judgment is also required to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in relation to an uncertain tax position. The Registrants use a two-step process to evaluate uncertain tax positions. The first step requires an entity to determine whether, based on the technical merits supporting a particular tax position, it is more likely than not (greater than a 50% chance) that the tax position will be sustained. This determination assumes that the relevant taxing authority will examine the tax position and is aware of all the relevant facts surrounding the tax position. The second step requires an entity to recognize in theits financial statements the benefit of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition criterion. The benefit recognized is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a likelihood of realization upon settlement that exceeds 50%. Unrecognized tax benefits are classified as current to the extent management expects to settle the uncertain tax position by payment or receipt of cash within one year of the reporting date. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued and may materially impact the financial statements of the Registrants in future periods. At December 31, 2023, no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits were projected over the next 12 months.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net future tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.



105

The Registrants record valuation allowances to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized. The Registrants consider the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in initially recording and subsequently reevaluating the need for valuation allowances.allowances requires significant management judgment. If the Registrants determine that they are able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of recorded net deferred tax assets, adjustments to the valuation allowances increase income by reducing tax expense in the period that such determination is made. Likewise, if the Registrants determine that they are not able to realize all or part of net deferred tax assets in the future, adjustments to the valuation allowances would decrease income by increasing tax expense in the period that such determination is made. The amount of deferred tax assets ultimately realized may differ materially from the estimates utilized in the computation of valuation allowances and may materially impact the financial statements in the future.

The Registrants defer investment tax credits when the credits are utilizedgenerated and amortize the deferred amounts over the average lives of the related assets. With respect to acquired renewable tax credits, pursuant to the IRA, any benefit is recognized in the period the credits can be utilized.

The Registrants recognize tax-related interest and penalties in "Income Taxes" on their Statements of Income.



The Registrants use the portfolio approach method of accounting for deferred taxes related to pre-tax OCI transactions. The portfolio approach involves a strict period-by-period cumulative incremental allocation of income taxes to the change in income and losses reflected in OCI. Under this approach, the net cumulative tax effect is ignored. The net change in unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI under this approach would be eliminated only on the date the investment portfolio is classified as held for sale or is liquidated.
146




See Note 56 to the Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding income taxes, including the impact of the TCJA and management's conclusion that the undistributed earnings of WPD are considered indefinitely reinvested.tax disclosures.

The provision for PPL's, PPL Electric's, LKE's, LG&E's and KU'sthe Registrants' deferred income taxes forrelated to regulatory assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by therelevant regulators. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulatory assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included on the Balance Sheets in noncurrent "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities."

(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The income tax provision for PPL Electric, LG&E and KU is calculated in accordance with an intercompany tax sharing agreement, which provides that taxable income be calculated as if PPL Electric, LG&E, KU and any domestic subsidiaries each filed a separate return. Tax benefits are not shared between companies. The entity that generates a tax benefit is the entity that is entitled to the tax benefit. The effect of PPL filing a consolidated tax return is taken into account in the settlement of current taxes and the recognition of deferred taxes.


At December 31, the following intercompany tax receivables (payables) were recorded:
20232022
PPL Electric$(21)$
LG&E(5)(6)
KU(3)

 2017 2016
PPL Electric$61
 $13
LKE(23) 1
LG&E
 (18)
KU
 (29)
Taxes, Other Than Income(All Registrants)

The Registrants present sales taxes in "Other current liabilities" and PPL presents value-added taxes in "Taxes" on the Balance Sheets. These taxes are not reflected on the Statements of Income. See Note 56 for details onof taxes included in "Taxes, other than income" on the Statements of Income.

Other

(All Registrants)

Leases

The Registrants evaluatedetermine whether contractual arrangements entered into contain a lease by evaluating whether those arrangements either implicitly or explicitly identify an asset, whether the Registrants have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the term of the arrangement, and whether the Registrants have the right to direct the use of the asset. Renewal options are included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain the Registrants will exercise those options. Periods for which the Registrants are reasonably certain not to exercise termination options are also included in the


106

lease term. The Registrants have certain agreements with lease and non-lease components, such as office space leases, which are generally accounted for separately.

Short-term leases are leases with a term that is 12 months or less and do not include a purchase option or option to extend the initial term of the lease to greater than 12 months that the Registrants are reasonably certain to exercise. The Registrants have made an accounting purposes.policy election to not recognize the right-of-use asset and the lease liability arising from leases classified as short-term.

The discount rate for a lease is the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be readily determined. In that case, the Registrants are required to use their incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate the Registrants would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

The Registrants receive secured borrowing rates from financial institutions based on their applicable credit profiles. The Registrants use the secured rate which corresponds with the term of the applicable lease. See Note 910 for additional information.

Fuel, Materials and Supplies

Fuel, natural gas stored underground and materials and supplies are valued using the average cost method. Fuel costs for electricelectricity generation are charged to expense as used. For RIE, natural gas supply costs are charged to expense when delivered to customers. For LG&E, natural gas supply costs are charged to expense as delivered to the distribution system. See Note 67 for further discussion of the fuel adjustment clauseclauses and gas supply clause.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

"Fuel, materials and supplies" on the Balance Sheets consisted of the following at December 31:
 2023
 PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Fuel$144 $— $50 $94 
Natural gas stored underground58 — 34 — 
Materials and supplies303 99 59 91 
Total$505 $99 $143 $185 
 PPL LKE LG&E KU
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Fuel$107
 $158
 $107
 $158
 $45
 $60
 $62
 $98
Natural gas stored underground43
 42
 43
 42
 43
 42
 
 
Materials and supplies170
 156
 104
 97
 43
 41
 61
 56
Total$320
 $356
 $254
 $297
 $131
 $143
 $123
 $154

 2022
 PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Fuel$125 $— $44 $81 
Natural gas stored underground91 — 68 — 
Materials and supplies227 69 54 86 
Total$443 $69 $166 $167 



(PPL)
147


Guarantees(All Registrants)

Guarantees

Generally, the initial measurement of a guarantee liability is the fair value of the guarantee at its inception. However, there are certain guarantees excluded from the scope of accounting guidance and other guarantees that are not subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions of accounting guidance that only require disclosure. See Note 13 for further discussion of recorded and unrecorded guarantees.



107

(PPL)

Treasury Stock(PPL)

PPL generally restores all shares of common stock acquired to authorized but unissued shares of common stock upon or soon after acquisition. In connection with its share repurchases in 2021, PPL has not returned these shares to authorized but unissued shares; it intends to retain these shares as Treasury stock to use in connection with certain compensation plans.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions(PPL)
WPD's functional currency is the GBP, which is the local currency in the U.K. As such, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the date of consolidation and related revenues and expenses are generally translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period included in PPL's results of operations. Adjustments resulting from foreign currency translation are recorded in AOCI.
Gains or losses relating to foreign currency transactions are recognized in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statements of Income. See Note 15 for additional information.
2. Segment and Related Information

(PPL)

PPL is organized into three segments: U.K. Regulated, Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and PennsylvaniaRhode Island Regulated. PPL's segments are segmented by geographic location.

The U.K. Regulated segment consists of PPL Global, which primarily includes WPD's regulated electricity distribution operations,Beginning on January 1, 2023, the results of hedging the translation of WPD's earnings from GBP into U.S. dollars, and certain costs, such as U.S. income taxes, administrative costs, and certain acquisition-related financing costs.
The Kentucky Regulated segment consists primarily of LKE'sthe regulated electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations ofconducted by LG&E and KU, as well as LG&E's regulated distribution and sale of natural gas. In addition, certain acquisition-related financing costs are allocatedPrior to January 1, 2023, the Kentucky Regulated segment.segment also included the financing activities of LKE. The financing activity of LKE is presented in "Corporate and Other" beginning on January 1, 2023. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change. As a result, PPL’s segments consist of its regulated operations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island and exclude any incremental financing activities of holding companies, which Management believes is a more meaningful presentation as it provides information on the core regulated operations of PPL.

The Pennsylvania Regulated segment includes the regulated electricity transmission and distribution operations of PPL Electric. In addition, certain costs are allocated to

The Rhode Island Regulated segment includes the Pennsylvania Regulated segment.regulated electricity transmission and distribution and natural gas distribution operations of RIE, which was acquired on May 25, 2022.

"Corporate and Other" primarily includes corporate level financing costs, incurred at the corporate level that have not been allocated or assigned to the segments, as well as certain other unallocated costs, whichand certain non-recoverable costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of Narragansett Electric and the financial results of Safari Energy, prior to its sale on November 1, 2022. "Corporate and Other" is presented to reconcile segment information to PPL's consolidated results.

On June 1, 2015, PPL completed the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, which substantially represented PPL's Supply segment. As a result of this transaction, PPL no longer has a Supply segment and its results are presented in "Discontinued Operations". See Note 8 for additional information. 

Income Statement data for the segments and reconciliation to PPL's consolidated results for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

202320222021
Operating Revenues from external customers (a)   
Kentucky Regulated$3,452 $3,811 $3,348 
Pennsylvania Regulated3,008 3,030 2,402 
Rhode Island Regulated1,851 1,038 — 
Corporate and Other23 33 
Total$8,312 $7,902 $5,783 
Depreciation   
Kentucky Regulated$696 $685 $647 
Pennsylvania Regulated397 393 424 
Rhode Island Regulated156 92 — 
Corporate and Other11 11 
Total$1,254 $1,181 $1,082 
Amortization (b)   
Kentucky Regulated$33 $23 $15 
Pennsylvania Regulated41 22 19 
Rhode Island Regulated— 
Corporate and Other
Total$81 $52 $39 


148
108


202320222021
Interest Expense   
Kentucky Regulated$235 $205 $196 
Pennsylvania Regulated223 171 162 
Rhode Island Regulated83 39 — 
Corporate and Other (c)125 98 560 
Total$666 $513 $918 
Income Before Income Taxes   
Kentucky Regulated$689 $678 $615 
Pennsylvania Regulated687 699 599 
Rhode Island Regulated112 (58)— 
Corporate and Other(564)(404)(693)
Total$924 $915 $521 
Income Taxes (d)   
Kentucky Regulated$137 $129 $107 
Pennsylvania Regulated168 174 154 
Rhode Island Regulated16 (14)— 
Corporate and Other(137)(88)242 
Total$184 $201 $503 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (e)   
Kentucky Regulated$(17)$$272 
Pennsylvania Regulated46 91 79 
Rhode Island Regulated48 39 — 
Corporate and Other245 43 (264)
Total$322 $179 $87 
Net Income   
Kentucky Regulated$552 $549 $508 
Pennsylvania Regulated519 525 445 
Rhode Island Regulated96 (44)— 
Corporate and Other (c)(427)(316)(935)
Discontinued Operations— 42 (1,498)
Total$740 $756 $(1,480)

(a)See Note 1 and Note 3 for additional information on Operating Revenues.
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Revenues from external customers (a)     
U.K. Regulated$2,091
 $2,207
 $2,410
Kentucky Regulated3,156
 3,141
 3,115
Pennsylvania Regulated2,195
 2,156
 2,124
Corporate and Other5
 13
 20
Total$7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
      
Depreciation 
    
U.K. Regulated$230
 $233
 $242
Kentucky Regulated439
 404
 382
Pennsylvania Regulated309
 253
 214
Corporate and Other30
 36
 45
Total$1,008
 $926
 $883
      
Amortization (b) 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$34
 $16
 $6
Kentucky Regulated24
 29
 27
Pennsylvania Regulated33
 32
 26
Corporate and Other6
 3
 
Total$97
 $80
 $59
      
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives and other hedging activities (c)     
U.K. Regulated$166
 $13
 $(88)
Kentucky Regulated6
 6
 11
Corporate and Other6
 
 
Total$178
 $19
 $(77)
      
Interest Expense 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$397
 $402
 $417
Kentucky Regulated261
 260
 232
Pennsylvania Regulated142
 129
 130
Corporate and Other101
 97
 92
Total$901
 $888
 $871
      
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$804
 $1,479
 $1,249
Kentucky Regulated645
 640
 547
Pennsylvania Regulated575
 550
 416
Corporate and Other (d)(112) (119) (144)
Total$1,912
 $2,550
 $2,068
      
Income Taxes (e) 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$152
 $233
 $128
Kentucky Regulated359
 242
 221
Pennsylvania Regulated216
 212
 164
Corporate and Other (d)57
 (39) (48)
Total$784
 $648
 $465
      
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (f) 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$66
 $31
 $45
Kentucky Regulated294
 291
 236
Pennsylvania Regulated257
 221
 220
Corporate and Other (d)90
 17
 (73)
Total$707
 $560
 $428
(b)Represents non-cash expense items that include amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, regulatory assets and liabilities, debt discounts and premiums and debt issuance costs.

(c)2021 includes losses from the extinguishment of PPL Capital Funding debt. See Note 8 for additional information.

(d)Represents both current and deferred income taxes, including investment tax credits.
149


(e)Represents a non-cash expense item that is also included in "Income Taxes."


 2017 2016 2015
      
Net Income 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$652
 $1,246
 $1,121
Kentucky Regulated286
 398
 326
Pennsylvania Regulated359
 338
 252
Corporate and Other (d)(169) (80) (96)
Discontinued Operations (g)
 
 (921)
Total$1,128
 $1,902
 $682

(a)See Note 1 for additional information on Operating Revenues.
(b)Represents non-cash expense items that include amortization of regulatory assets, debt discounts and premiums, debt issuance costs, emission allowances and RECs.
(c)Includes unrealized gains and losses from economic activity. See Note 17 for additional information.
(d)2015 includes certain costs related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, including deferred income tax expense, transition costs and separation benefits for PPL Services employees. See Note 8 for additional information.
(e)Represents both current and deferred income taxes, including investment tax credits. See Note 5 for additional information on the impact of the TCJA in 2017.
(f)Represents a non-cash expense item that is also included in "Income Taxes."
(g)2015 includes an $879 million loss on the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and five months of Supply segment earnings. See Note 8 for additional information on these transactions.


Cash Flow data for the segments and reconciliation to PPL's consolidated results for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
202320222021
Expenditures for long-lived assets   
Kentucky Regulated$950 $917 $1,026 
Pennsylvania Regulated956 889 904 
Rhode Island Regulated454 268 — 
Corporate and Other30 84 49 
Total$2,390 $2,158 $1,979 
 2017 2016 2015
Expenditures for long-lived assets 
  
  
U.K. Regulated$1,015
 $1,031
 $1,242
Kentucky Regulated892
 791
 1,210
Pennsylvania Regulated1,254
 1,134
 1,107
Corporate and Other10
 1
 11
Total$3,171
 $2,957
 $3,570


The following provides Balance Sheet data for the segments and reconciliation to PPL's consolidated results as of:

 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Total Assets 
  
U.K. Regulated (a)$16,813
 $14,537
Kentucky Regulated14,468
 14,037
Pennsylvania Regulated10,082
 9,426
Corporate and Other (b)116
 315
Total$41,479
 $38,315


109
(a)Includes $12.5 billion and $10.8 billion of net PP&E as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP.
(b)Primarily consists of unallocated items, including cash, PP&E and the elimination of inter-segment transactions.

Geographic data for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues from external customers 
  
  
U.K.$2,091
 $2,207
 $2,410
U.S.5,356
 5,310
 5,259
Total$7,447
 $7,517
 $7,669
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Long-Lived Assets 
  
U.K.$12,851
 $11,177
U.S.20,936
 19,595
Total$33,787
 $30,772


150


 As of December 31,
20232022
Total Assets  
Kentucky Regulated$17,029 $16,904 
Pennsylvania Regulated14,294 13,565 
Rhode Island Regulated6,515 6,081 
Corporate and Other (a)1,398 1,287 
Total$39,236 $37,837 

(a)Primarily consists of unallocated items, including cash, PP&E, goodwill, and the elimination of inter-segment transactions.

(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL Electric has two operating segments, thatdistribution and transmission, which are aggregated into a single reportable segment. LKE, Each of LG&E and KU operates as a single operating and reportable segment.

3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

(All Registrants)

The following is a description of the principal activities from which the Registrants and PPL’s segments generate their revenues.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

Pennsylvania Regulated Segment Revenue

The Pennsylvania Regulated segment generates substantially all of its revenues from contracts with customers from PPL Electric’s tariff-based distribution and transmission of electricity.

Distribution Revenue

PPL Electric provides distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and governmental end users of energy. PPL Electric satisfies its performance obligation to its distribution customers and revenue is recognized over time as electricity is delivered and simultaneously consumed by the customer. The amount of revenue recognized is the volume of electricity delivered during the period multiplied by the price per tariff, plus a monthly fixed charge. This method of recognition fairly presents PPL Electric's transfer of electric service to the customer as the calculation is based on volumes delivered, and the price per tariff and the monthly fixed charge are set by the PAPUC. Customers are typically billed monthly and outstanding amounts are normally due within 21 days of the date of the bill.

Distribution customers are "at will" customers of PPL Electric with no term contract and no minimum purchase commitment. Performance obligations are limited to the service requested and received to date. Accordingly, there is no unsatisfied performance obligation associated with PPL Electric’s retail account contracts.

Certain customers have the option to obtain electricity from other suppliers where PPL Electric facilitates the delivery. In those circumstances, revenue is only recognized for providing delivery of the commodity to the customer.

Transmission Revenue

PPL Electric generates transmission revenues from a FERC-approved PJM Open Access Transmission Tariff. An annual revenue requirement for PPL Electric to provide transmission services is calculated using a formula-based rate. This revenue requirement is converted into a daily rate (dollars per day). PPL Electric satisfies its performance obligation to provide transmission services and revenue is recognized over time as transmission services are provided and consumed. This method of recognition fairly presents PPL Electric's transfer of transmission services as the daily rate is set by a FERC approved formula-based rate. PJM remits payment on a weekly basis.



110

PPL Electric's agreement to provide transmission services contains no minimum purchase commitment. The performance obligation is limited to the service requested and received to date. Accordingly, PPL Electric has no unsatisfied performance obligations.

(PPL)

Rhode Island Regulated Segment Revenues

The Rhode Island Regulated segment generates substantially all of its revenues from contracts with customers from RIE’s regulated tariff-based transmission and distribution of electricity and regulated tariff-based distribution of natural gas.

Distribution Revenue

Distribution revenues are primarily from the sale of electricity, natural gas, and related services to retail customers. Distribution sales are regulated by the RIPUC, which is responsible for approving the rates and other terms of services as part of the rate making process. Natural gas and electric distribution revenues are derived from the regulated sale and distribution of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers within RIE’s service territory under the tariff rates. The performance obligation related to distribution sales is to provide electricity and natural gas to customers on demand. The performance obligation is satisfied over time because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the electricity or natural gas as services are provided. RIE records revenues related to the distribution sales based upon the approved tariff rate and the volume delivered to the customers, which corresponds with the amount RIE has the right to invoice.

Distribution revenue also includes estimated unbilled amounts, which represent the estimated amounts due from retail customers as a result of customer's bills rendered throughout the month, rather than bills being rendered at the end of the month. Unbilled revenues are determined based on estimated unbilled sales volumes and then applying tariff rates to those volumes. Any difference between estimated and actual revenues is adjusted the following month when the previous unbilled estimate is reversed and actual billings occur. This method of recognition fairly presents RIE's transfer of electricity and natural gas to the customer as the amount recognized is based on actual and estimated volumes delivered and the tariff rate per unit of energy and any applicable fixed charges or regulatory mechanisms as approved by the respective regulatory body.

Distribution customers are "at will" customers of RIE with no term contract and no minimum purchase commitment. Performance obligations are limited to the service requested and received to date. Accordingly, there is no unsatisfied performance obligation associated with RIE's retail account contracts.

Certain customers have the option to obtain electricity or natural gas from other suppliers where RIE facilitates the delivery. In those circumstances, revenue is only recognized for providing delivery of the commodity to the customer.

Transmission Revenue

RIE’s transmission services are regulated by the FERC and coordinated with ISO – New England (ISO-NE). As of January 1, 2023, RIE is a transmission operator. These revenues arise under tariff/rate agreements and are collected primarily from RIE’s distribution customers. The revenue is recognized over time as transmission services are provided and consumed. This method of recognition fairly presents RIE’s transfer of transmission services as the daily rate is set by a FERC-approved formula-based rate.

RIE's agreement to provide transmission services contains no minimum purchase commitment. The performance obligation is limited to the service requested and received to date. Accordingly, RIE has no unsatisfied performance obligations.

(PPL, LG&E and KU)

Kentucky Regulated Segment Revenue

The Kentucky Regulated Segment generates substantially all of its revenues from contracts with customers from LG&E's and KU's regulated tariff-based sales of electricity and LG&E's regulated tariff-based sales of natural gas.

LG&E and KU are individually single operatingengaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and reportable segments.sale of electricity in Kentucky and, in KU's case, Virginia. LG&E also engages in the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky. Revenue from these activities is generated from tariffs approved by applicable regulatory authorities including the FERC, KPSC and VSCC. LG&E and KU satisfy their


3.111

performance obligations upon LG&E's and KU's delivery of electricity and LG&E's delivery of natural gas to customers. This revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by LG&E and KU. The amount of revenue recognized is the billed volume of electricity or natural gas delivered multiplied by a tariff rate per-unit of energy, plus any applicable fixed charges or additional regulatory mechanisms. Customers are billed monthly and outstanding amounts are typically due within 22 days of the date of the bill. Additionally, unbilled revenues are recognized as a result of customers' bills rendered throughout the month, rather than bills being rendered at the end of the month. Unbilled revenues for a month are calculated by multiplying an estimate of unbilled kWh or Mcf delivered but not yet billed by the estimated average cents per kWh or Mcf. Any difference between estimated and actual revenues is adjusted the following month when the previous unbilled estimate is reversed and actual billings occur. This method of recognition fairly presents LG&E's and KU's transfer of electricity and LG&E's transfer of natural gas to the customer as the amount recognized is based on actual and estimated volumes delivered and the tariff rate per-unit of energy and any applicable fixed charges or regulatory mechanisms as set by the respective regulatory body.

LG&E's and KU's customers generally have no minimum purchase commitment. Performance obligations are limited to the service requested and received to date. Accordingly, there is no unsatisfied performance obligation associated with these customers.

(All Registrants)

The following table reconciles "Operating Revenues" included in each Registrant's Statement of Income with revenues generated from contracts with customers for the years ended December31:
2023
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Operating Revenues (a)$8,312 $3,008 $1,613 $1,884 
Revenues derived from:
Alternative revenue programs (b)(1)(5)
Other (c)(23)(15)(4)(4)
Revenues from Contracts with Customers$8,290 $2,998 $1,608 $1,875 
2022
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Operating Revenues (a)$7,902 $3,030 $1,798 $2,074 
Revenues derived from:
Alternative revenue programs (b)(92)(56)
Other (c)(24)(14)(6)(4)
Revenues from Contracts with Customers$7,786 $2,960 $1,801 $2,075 
2021
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Operating Revenues (a)$5,783 $2,402 $1,569 $1,826 
Revenues derived from:
Alternative revenue programs (b)77 83 (3)(3)
Other (c)(22)(3)(8)(9)
Revenues from Contracts with Customers$5,838 $2,482 $1,558 $1,814 

(a)PPL includes $1,851 million and $1,038 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 of revenues from external customers reported by the Rhode Island Regulated segment. PPL Electric represents revenues from external customers reported by the Pennsylvania Regulated segment and LG&E and KU, net of intercompany power sales and transmission revenues, represent revenues from external customers reported by the Kentucky Regulated segment. See Note 2 for additional information.
(b)This line item shows the over/under collection of rate mechanisms deemed alternative revenue programs with over-collections of revenue shown as positive amounts in the table above and under collections as negative amounts. For PPL Electric, revenue in 2022 includes $74 million related to the amortization of the regulatory liability primarily recorded in 2021 for a reduction in the transmission formula rate return on equity that is reflected in rates in 2022. Revenue in 2021 was reduced by $78 million for a reduction in the transmission formula rate return on equity.
(c)Represents additional revenues outside the scope of revenues from contracts with customers such as leases and other miscellaneous revenues.



112

The following table shows revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by customer class for the years ended December31:
ResidentialCommercialIndustrialOther (a)Wholesale - municipalityWholesale - other (b)TransmissionRevenues from Contracts with Customers
PPL
2023
PA Regulated$1,649 $444 $55 $54 $— $— $796 $2,998 
RI Regulated640 228 20 793 — — 170 1,851 
KY Regulated1,458 1,001 637 272 22 50 — 3,440 
Corp and Other— — — — — — 
Total PPL$3,747 $1,673 $712 $1,120 $22 $50 $966 $8,290 
2022
PA Regulated$1,647 $491 $85 $54 $— $— $683 $2,960 
RI Regulated299 101 478 — — 101 988 
KY Regulated1,637 1,068 662 323 28 97 — 3,815 
Corp and Other— — — 23 — — — 23 
Total PPL$3,583 $1,660 $756 $878 $28 $97 $784 $7,786 
2021
PA Regulated$1,299 $350 $53 $50 $— $— $730 $2,482 
RI Regulated— — — — — — — — 
KY Regulated1,416 928 586 305 24 66 — 3,325 
Corp and Other— — — 31 — — — 31 
Total PPL$2,715 $1,278 $639 $386 $24 $66 $730 $5,838 
PPL Electric
2023$1,649 $444 $55 $54 $— $— $796 $2,998 
2022$1,647 $491 $85 $54 $— $— $683 $2,960 
2021$1,299 $350 $53 $50 $— $— $730 $2,482 
LG&E
2023$751 $517 $189 $104 $— $47 $— $1,608 
2022$835 $551 $199 $141 $— $75 $— $1,801 
2021$711 $473 $180 $145 $— $49 $— $1,558 
KU
2023$707 $484 $448 $168 $22 $46 $— $1,875 
2022$802 $517 $463 $182 $28 $83 $— $2,075 
2021$705 $455 $406 $160 $24 $64 $— $1,814 

(a)Primarily includes revenues from pole attachments, street lighting, other public authorities and other non-core businesses. The Rhode Island Regulated segment primarily includes open access tariff revenues, which are calculated on combined customer classes.
(b)Includes wholesale power and transmission revenues. LG&E and KU amounts include intercompany power sales and transmission revenues, which are eliminated upon consolidation at PPL.

As discussed in Note 2, PPL segments its business by geographic location. Revenues from external customers for each segment/geographic location are reconciled to revenues from contracts with customers in the footnotes to the tables above. PPL Electric's revenues from contracts with customers are further disaggregated by distribution and transmission as indicated in the above tables.

Contract receivables from customers are primarily included in "Accounts receivable - Customer" and "Unbilled revenues" on the Balance Sheets.



113

The following table shows the accounts receivable and unbilled revenues balances that were impaired for the year ended December31:
202320222021
PPL(a)$79 $70 $22 
PPL Electric47 21 10 
LG&E
KU
(a)Includes $23 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 related to the commitment to forgive customer arrearages for low-income and protected residential customers at RIE. See Note 9 for additional information.

The following table shows the balances and certain activity of contract liabilities resulting from contracts with customers:
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023$43 $29 $$
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 202234 23 
Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023 that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 202221 10 
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 2022$34 $23 $$
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 202142 25 
Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 202125 12 
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 2021$42 $25 $$
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 202040 23 
Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2021 that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 202024 11 

Contract liabilities result from recording contractual billings in advance for customer attachments to the Registrants' infrastructure and payments received in excess of revenues earned to date. Advanced billings for customer attachments are recognized as revenue ratably over the billing period. Payments received in excess of revenues earned to date are recognized as revenue as services are delivered in subsequent periods.

4. Preferred Securities

(PPL)

PPL is authorized to issue up to 10 million shares of preferred stock. No PPL preferred stock was issued or outstanding in 2017, 20162023, 2022 or 2015.2021.

(PPL Electric)

PPL Electric is authorized to issue up to 20,629,936 shares of preferred stock. No PPL Electric preferred stock was issued or outstanding in 2017, 20162023, 2022 or 2015.2021.


(LG&E)

LG&E is authorized to issue up to 1,720,000 shares of preferred stock at a $25 par value and 6,750,000 shares of preferred stock without par value. LG&E had no preferred stock issued or outstanding in 2017, 20162023, 2022 or 2015.2021.

(KU)

KU is authorized to issue up to 5,300,000 shares of preferred stock and 2,000,000 shares of preference stock without par value. KU had no preferred or preference stock issued or outstanding in 2017, 20162023, 2022 or 2015.2021.
 

4.
114

5. Earnings Per Share

(PPL)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to PPL common shareowners by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to PPL
common shareowners by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, increased by the number of incremental shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive non-participating securitiesshare-based payment awards were converted to common shares as calculated using the Two-Class Method or Treasury Stock Method. The If-Converted Method will be applied to the Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2028 issued in February 2023. See Note 8 for additional information. Incremental non-participating securities that have a dilutive impact are detailed in the table below.

Reconciliations of the amounts of income and shares of PPL common stock (in thousands) for the periods ended December 31, used in the EPS calculation are:
 202320222021
Income (Numerator)   
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$740 $714 $18 
Less amounts allocated to participating securities— 
Income from continuing operations after income taxes available to PPL common shareowners - Basic and Diluted$739 $713 $18 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) available to PPL common shareowners - Basic and Diluted$— $42 $(1,498)
Net income (loss) attributable to PPL$740 $756 (1,480)
Less amounts allocated to participating securities— 
Net income (loss) available to PPL common shareowners - Basic and Diluted$739 $755 $(1,480)
Shares of Common Stock (Denominator)   
Weighted-average shares - Basic EPS737,036 736,027 762,902 
Add: Dilutive share-based payment awards (a)1,130 875 1,917 
Weighted-average shares - Diluted EPS738,166 736,902 764,819 
Basic EPS   
Available to PPL common shareowners:
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$1.00 $0.97 $0.03 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)— 0.06 (1.96)
Net Income (Loss) available to PPL common shareowners$1.00 $1.03 $(1.93)
Diluted EPS   
Available to PPL common shareowners:
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$1.00 $0.96 $0.03 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)— 0.06 (1.96)
Net Income (Loss) available to PPL common shareowners$1.00 $1.02 $(1.93)
 2017 2016 2015
Income (Numerator) 
  
  
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$1,128
 $1,902
 $1,603
Less amounts allocated to participating securities2
 6
 6
Income from continuing operations after income taxes available to PPL common
shareowners - Basic and Diluted
$1,126
 $1,896
 $1,597
      
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) available to PPL
common shareowners - Basic and Diluted
$
 $
 $(921)
      
Net income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
Less amounts allocated to participating securities2
 6
 2
Net income available to PPL common shareowners - Basic and Diluted$1,126
 $1,896
 $680


(a)The Treasury Stock Method was applied to non-participating share-based payment awards.

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 2017 2016 2015
      
Shares of Common Stock (Denominator) 
  
  
Weighted-average shares - Basic EPS685,240
 677,592
 669,814
Add incremental non-participating securities: 
  
  
Share-based payment awards (a)2,094
 2,854
 2,772
Weighted-average shares - Diluted EPS687,334
 680,446
 672,586
      
Basic EPS 
  
  
Available to PPL common shareowners: 
  
  
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$1.64
 $2.80
 $2.38
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)
 
 (1.37)
Net Income$1.64
 $2.80
 $1.01
Diluted EPS 
  
  
Available to PPL common shareowners: 
  
  
Income from continuing operations after income taxes$1.64
 $2.79
 $2.37
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)
 
 (1.36)
Net Income$1.64
 $2.79
 $1.01
(a)The Treasury Stock Method was applied to non-participating share-based payment awards.


For the yearyears ended December 31, PPL issued common stock related to stock-based compensation plans and DRIP as follows (in thousands):
 20232022
Stock-based compensation plans (a)— 124 

(a)Includes stock options exercised, vesting of performance units, vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and conversion of stock units granted to directors.



115

2017
Stock-based compensation plans (a)1,748
DRIP1,552

(a)Includes stock options exercised, vesting of performance units, vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and conversion of stock units granted to directors.

See Note 7 for additional information on common stock issued under ATM Program.
For the years ended December 31, the following shares (in thousands) were excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the effect would have been antidilutive:
 2017 2016 2015
Stock options696
 696
 1,087
Performance units
 176
 36
 202320222021
Stock-based compensation awards243 93 1,783 
 
5.6. Income and Other Taxes
(All Registrants)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the TCJA. Substantially all of the provisions of the TCJA are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA includes significant changes to the taxation of corporations, including provisions specifically applicable to regulated public utilities. The more significant changes that impact the Registrants are:

The reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, effective January 1, 2018;
The exclusion from U.S. federal taxable income of dividends from foreign subsidiaries and the associated "transition tax;"
Limitations on the tax deductibility of interest expense, with an exception to these limitations for regulated public utilities;
Full current year expensing of capital expenditures with an exception for regulated public utilities that qualify for the exception to the interest expense limitation; and


152


The continuation of certain rate normalization requirements for accelerated depreciation benefits. For non-regulated businesses, the TCJA generally provides for full expensing of property acquired after September 27, 2017.

Under GAAP, the tax effect of changes in tax laws must be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted, or December 2017 for TCJA. The changes enacted by the TCJA were recorded as an adjustment to the Registrants' deferred tax provision, and have been reflected in "Income Taxes" on the Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Income tax expense (benefit)$321
 $(13) $112
 $
 $

The components of these adjustments are discussed below:

Reduction of U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate

GAAP requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be measured at the enacted tax rate expected to apply when temporary differences are to be realized or settled. Thus, at the date of enactment, the Registrants' deferred taxes were remeasured based upon the new U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. For PPL’s regulated entities, the changes in deferred taxes were, in large part, recorded as an offset to either a regulatory asset or regulatory liability and will be reflected in future rates charged to customers. The rate reduction on non-regulated deferred tax assets and liabilities were recorded as an adjustment to the Registrants' deferred tax provision, and have been reflected in "Income Taxes" on the Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Income tax expense (benefit)$220
 $(13) $112
 $
 $

As indicated in Note 1 - "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Income Taxes", PPL’s U.S. regulated operations' accounting for income taxes are impacted by rate regulation. Therefore, reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% under the provisions of the TCJA may result in amounts previously collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers over a period of time. The TCJA includes provisions that stipulate how these excess deferred taxes are to be passed back to customers for certain accelerated tax depreciation benefits. Potential refunds of other deferred taxes will be determined by the Registrants’ regulators. The Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 reflect the increase to the Registrants' net regulatory liabilities as a result of the TCJA as follows:
 PPL PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
Net Increase in Regulatory Liabilities$2,185
 $1,019
 $1,166
 $532
 $634

Prior to the TCJA, PPL Electric had recorded a net regulatory asset related to taxes recoverable on certain property related deferred taxes, the tax benefit of which was received by the customer. The net regulatory asset represents the future taxes owed in excess of taxes paid by the customer to date, with an additional tax gross-up. As a result of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA, the future taxes expected to be due are now less than taxes funded through rates, resulting in a net regulatory liability.

Transition Tax

The TCJA included a conversion from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, effective January 1, 2018. In the transition to the territorial regime, a one-time transition tax was imposed on PPL’s unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings in 2017. These earnings were treated as a taxable deemed dividend to PPL of approximately $462 million. As the PPL consolidated U.S. group had a taxable loss for 2017, inclusive of the taxable deemed dividend, the foreign tax credits associated with the deemed dividend were recorded as a deferred tax asset. However, it is expected that under the TCJA, the current and prior year foreign tax credit carryforwards will not be fully realizable.

As a result, the net deferred income tax expense impact of the deemed repatriation was $101 million and was recorded in "Income Taxes" on the PPL Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 and "Deferred tax liabilities" on the PPL Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017.

SEC Guidance on Accounting for TCJA



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On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued guidance for accounting for income taxes in the event that information is not available or is incomplete for purposes of reflecting the impact of the TCJA. The SEC guidance provides a period of up to one year (the measurement period) to complete the analysis and accounting to properly reflect the TCJA. The SEC guidance provides a three-step process that companies should apply to each reporting period within the measurement period:

1.A company should record the effects of the TCJA for which the accounting is complete.
2.
A company should report provisional amounts (or adjustments to provisional amounts) for the effects of the TCJA for which the accounting is not complete, but for which a reasonable estimate can be determined. Provisional amounts and any related adjustments to such provisional amounts should be recorded to income tax expense through continuing operations in the period they are identified.
3.
A company should continue to apply GAAP based on the tax law in effect just prior to enactment of TCJA if a reasonable estimate of the specific effect of the TCJA cannot be made.

The measurement period ends at the earlier of the time the company finalizes its accounting for the impact of the TCJA or one year.

The Registrants have completed or made reasonable estimates of the effects of the TCJA and reflected these amounts in their December 31, 2017 financial statements. The Registrants continue to evaluate the application of the TCJA and have made certain assumptions concerning the application of various components of the law in the calculation of 2017 income tax expense. The current and deferred components of the income tax expense calculations that the Registrants consider provisional within the meaning of the SEC guidance due to uncertainty either with respect to the technical application of the law or the quantification of the impact of the law include (but are not limited to): tax depreciation, deductible executive compensation, and the accumulated foreign earnings used to calculate the deemed dividend included in PPL’s taxable income in 2017 along with the impact of associated foreign tax credits and related valuation allowances. The Registrants believe that classification of these items as provisional is appropriate. The Registrants have accounted for these items based on their interpretation of the TCJA. 

Further interpretive guidance on the TCJA from the IRS, Treasury, the Joint Committee on Taxation through its “Blue Book” or from Congress in the form of Technical Corrections may differ from the Registrants' interpretation of the TCJA.


(PPL)

"Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" included the following:is from domestic operations.
 2017 2016 2015
Domestic income$874
 $1,463
 $968
Foreign income1,038
 1,087
 1,100
Total$1,912
 $2,550
 $2,068

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The provision for PPL's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles of the applicable jurisdiction. See Notes 1 and 67 for additional information.

Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for the U.S. and the U.K.income.

Significant components of PPL's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

20232022
Deferred Tax Assets  
Deferred investment tax credits$28 $29 
Regulatory liabilities123 88 
Income taxes due to customers436 448 
Accrued pension and postretirement costs101 86 
State loss carryforwards253 230 
Federal and state tax credit carryforwards67 68 
Internal Revenue Code Section 197 intangibles (a)78 85 
Contributions in aid of construction149 114 
Other139 87 
Valuation allowances(245)(213)
Total deferred tax assets1,129 1,022 
Deferred Tax Liabilities  
Plant - net3,749 3,609 
Regulatory assets376 337 
Prepayments47 46 
Goodwill22 
Other30 23 
Total deferred tax liabilities4,224 4,022 
Net deferred tax liability$3,095 $3,000 


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(a)Certain of the RIE assets acquired in 2022 are treated as intangibles for tax purposes and are amortized over a 15 year period. PPL recorded deferred tax assets on these intangibles, which will reverse as tax deductions are taken.


 2017 (a) 2016
Deferred Tax Assets   
Deferred investment tax credits$33
 $51
Regulatory liabilities62
 94
Income taxes due to customer (b)499
 
Accrued pension costs159
 250
Federal loss carryforwards356
 565
State loss carryforwards409
 326
Federal and state tax credit carryforwards455
 256
Foreign capital loss carryforwards329
 302
Foreign loss carryforwards2
 3
Foreign - pensions(32) 41
Foreign - regulatory obligations2
 6
Foreign - other7
 5
Contributions in aid of construction134
 141
Domestic - other104
 188
Unrealized losses on qualifying derivatives10
 20
Valuation allowances(838) (593)
Total deferred tax assets1,691
 1,655
    
Deferred Tax Liabilities   
Domestic plant - net (b)3,168
 4,325
Taxes recoverable through future rates (b)
 170
Regulatory assets211
 343
Reacquired debt costs15
 25
Foreign plant - net726
 640
Domestic - other9
 14
Total deferred tax liabilities4,129
 5,517
Net deferred tax liability$2,438
 $3,862
(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 reflect the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)The impact on net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA is primarily related to plant (net of net operating losses) and resulted in a regulatory liability for income taxes due to customers, the deferred tax impact of which is reflected as a deferred tax asset.

State deferred taxes are determined on a by entity and by jurisdiction basis.jurisdiction. As a result, $24$9 million and $27$6 million of net deferred tax assets are shown as "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets for 20172023 and 2016.2022.


At December 31, 2017,2023, PPL had the following loss and tax credit carryforwards, related deferred tax assets and valuation allowances recorded against the deferred tax assets.assets:
GrossDeferred Tax AssetValuation AllowanceExpiration
Loss and other carryforwards  
State net operating losses$5,475 $253 $(243)2024-2043
State charitable contributions10 (1)2024-2028

 Gross Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Expiration
Loss carryforwards       
Federal net operating losses (a)$1,662
 $349
 $
 2029-2037
Federal charitable contributions (a)36
 7
 
 2020-2022
State net operating losses (a)5,512
 407
 (348) 2018-2037
State charitable contributions (a)26
 2
 
 2018-2022
Foreign net operating losses10
 2
 
 Indefinite
Foreign capital losses1,938
 329
 (329) Indefinite

116
Credit carryforwards       
Federal investment tax credit  133
 
 2025-2036
Federal alternative minimum tax credit (b)  30
 
 Indefinite
Federal foreign tax credits (c)  267
 (148) 2024-2027
Federal - other  24
 (8) 2019-2037
State - other  1
 
 Indefinite


155


GrossDeferred Tax AssetValuation AllowanceExpiration
Credit carryforwards  
Federal investment tax credit51 — 2045
Federal - other— 2043
State recycling credit10 — 2028
State - other— Indefinite
(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA, deferred tax assets are reflected at the new U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%.
(b)The TCJA repealed the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The existing indefinite carryforward period for AMT credits was retained.
(c)Includes $62 million of foreign tax credits carried forward from 2016 and $205 million of additional foreign tax credits in 2017 related to the taxable deemed dividend associated with the TCJA.


Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized. The changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were as follows:
  Additions   
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged
to Income
Charged to
Other
Accounts
DeductionsBalance
at End
of Period
2023$213 $54 (a)$— $22 (b)$245 
2022462 10 — 259 (c)213 
2021536 48 (d)— 122 (e)462 
   Additions    
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charged
to Income
 
Charged to
Other
Accounts
 Deductions 
Balance
at End
of Period
2017$593
 $256
(a)$

$11

$838
2016662
 17
 2

88
(b)593
2015622
 24
 77
(c)61
(b)662

(a)Increase in valuation allowance of approximately $145 million related to expected future utilization of both 2017 foreign tax credits and pre-2017 foreign tax credits carried forward. For additional information, see the "Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense" and associated notes below.

(a)PPL has a Pennsylvania net operating loss fully offset by a valuation allowance. In addition,2023, PPL adjusted the reductionnet operating loss and related valuation allowance to be recorded at the current estimate of the U.S. federal corporateapplicable rate at which each portion of the net operating loss that will expire and be written off as the rate is reduced annually by one half a percentage point until the rate reaches to 4.99% in 2031.
(b)In 2023, PPL recorded a $22 million decrease in a valuation allowance on a 2003 state net operating loss carryforward that expired in 2023.
(c)In 2022, PPL recorded a $36 million decrease in a valuation allowance on a 2002 state net operating loss carryforward that expired in 2022 and a $213 million decrease in the valuation allowance due to the Pennsylvania rate change. See reconciliation of income tax rate enacted by the TCJA in 2017 resulted intable below.
(d)In 2021, PPL recorded a $62$31 million increase in federal deferred tax assets and a corresponding valuation allowance related to the federal tax benefits ofon a state net operating losses.
(b)The reductions of the U.K. statutory income tax rates in 2016 and 2015 resulted in $19 million and $44 million in reductions in the deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation allowances. See "Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense" below for more information on the impact of the U.K. Finance Acts 2016 and 2015. In addition, the deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation allowances were reduced in 2016 by approximately $65 million due to the effect of foreign currency exchange rates.
(c)Valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets previously reflected on the PPL Energy Supply Segment. The deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance remained with PPL after the spinoff.

loss carryforward in connection with the loss on extinguishment associated with a tender offer to purchase and retire PPL Capital Funding's outstanding Senior Notes.
PPL Global does not record U.S. income taxes on the unremitted earnings of WPD, as management has determined that such earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Current year distributions from WPD to the U.S. are sourced from a portion(e)In light of the current year’s earningsdisposition of the WPD group. As noted above, the TCJA includesPPL's U.K. utility business, there was a conversion from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, effective January 1, 2018. In the transition to the territorial regime, a one-time transition tax was imposed on PPL’s unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings in 2017. These earnings were treated as a taxable deemed dividend from the U.K. The total amount of the taxable deemed dividend was approximately $462 million, including $205 million of foreign tax credits. The U.S. tax consequences of the deemed dividend have been recorded in PPL’s 2017 tax provision and are explained below. Despite this 2017 deemed dividend, there have been no material changes to the facts underlying PPL’s assertion that historically reinvested earnings of WPD as well as some portion of current year earnings will continue to be indefinitely reinvested. WPD's long-term working capital forecasts and capital expenditure projections for the foreseeable future require reinvestment of WPD's undistributed earnings. Additionally, U.S. long-term working capital forecasts and capital expenditure projections for the foreseeable future do not require or contemplate annual distributions from WPD in excess of some portion of WPD's future annual earnings. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Earnings reinvested" on the Balance Sheets. The amount considered indefinitely reinvested at December 31, 2017 was $6.0 billion. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes that could be payable on these foreign earningsdecrease in the eventvaluation allowance of repatriation to the U.S.approximately $113 million.

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were as follows:
 202320222021
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Current - Federal (a)$(175)$(2)$(1)
Current - State37 24 36 
Current - Foreign— — (1)
Total Current Expense (Benefit)(138)22 34 
Deferred - Federal (a)286 122 28 
Deferred - State48 68 105 
Deferred - Foreign (b)— — 383 
Total Deferred Expense (Benefit), excluding operating loss carryforwards334 190 516 
Amortization of investment tax credit(3)(3)(3)
Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards   
Deferred - Federal12 
Deferred - State(12)(10)(56)
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(9)(8)(44)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$184 $201 $503 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - Federal$111 $119 $36 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - State73 82 85 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - Foreign— — 382 
Total income tax expense (benefit)$184 $201 $503 

(a)During 2023, PPL purchased approximately $300 million of renewable tax credits, as allowed by the IRA. PPL recorded a current tax benefit and a deferred tax expense for the utilization of approximately $250 million of the credits in 2023 and prior years, per the three-year carry-back rule. See "Other - Purchase of Renewable Tax Credits" below for additional information.
(b)The U.K. Finance Act 2021, formally enacted on June 10, 2021, increased the U.K. corporation tax rate from 19% to 25%, effective April 1, 2023. The primary impact of the corporation tax rate increase was an increase in deferred tax liabilities of the U.K. utility business, which was sold on June 14, 2021, and a corresponding deferred tax expense of $383 million, which was recognized in continuing operations in 2021.

 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     
Current - Federal$6
 $(14) $(26)
Current - State25
 21
 25
Current - Foreign45
 80
 89
Total Current Expense76
 87
 88
Deferred - Federal (a)532
 385
 699
Deferred - State88
 89
 68
Deferred - Foreign133
 86
 41
Total Deferred Expense, excluding operating loss carryforwards753
 560
 808


117

156


 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     
      
Amortization of investment tax credit(3) (3) (4)
Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards     
Deferred - Federal (b)(16) 25
 (396)
Deferred - State(26) (21) (31)
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(42) 4
 (427)
Total income taxes from continuing operations$784
 $648
 $465
      
Total income tax expense - Federal$519
 $393
 $273
Total income tax expense - State87
 89
 62
Total income tax expense - Foreign178
 166
 130
Total income taxes from continuing operations$784
 $648
 $465
(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA in 2017, PPL recorded the following:
$220 million of deferred income tax expense related to the impact of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on deferred tax assets and liabilities;
$162 million of deferred tax expense related to the utilization of current year losses resulting from the taxable deemed dividend; partially offset by,
$60 million of deferred tax benefits related to the $205 million of 2017 foreign tax credits partially offset by $145 million of valuation allowances.
(b)Increase in federal loss carryforwards for 2015 primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation and the impact of bonus depreciation related to provision to return adjustments.


In the table above, the following income tax expense (benefit) are excluded from income taxes from continuing operations:taxes:
202320222021
Discontinued operations$— $(42)$759 
Reclassification from AOCI due to sale of UK utility business— — 660 
Other comprehensive income(14)11 150 
Valuation allowance recorded to other comprehensive income(1)— — 
Total$(15)$(31)$1,569 
 2017 2016 2015
Discontinued operations - PPL Energy Supply Segment$
 $
 $(30)
Stock-based compensation recorded to Earnings Reinvested
 (7) 
Other comprehensive income(34) (6) (2)
Valuation allowance on state deferred taxes recorded to other comprehensive income(1) 1
 (4)
Total$(35) $(12) $(36)
 202320222021
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 21%$194$192$109
   
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit586823
Valuation allowance adjustments (a)12948
Income tax credits (b)(22)(3)(2)
Impact of the U.K. Finance Acts on deferred tax balances (c)383
Depreciation and other items not normalized(10)(8)(5)
Amortization of excess deferred federal and state income taxes(48)(54)(54)
Non-deductible officer's salary156
Other(1)(8)(5)
Total increase (decrease)(10)9394
Total income tax expense (benefit)$184$201$503
Effective income tax rate19.9%22.0%96.5%

 2017 2016 2015
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense 
  
  
Federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%$669
 $893
 $724
Increase (decrease) due to: 
  
  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit46
 46
 31
Valuation allowance adjustments (a)36
 16
 24
Impact of lower U.K. income tax rates (b)(176) (177) (176)
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings - net of foreign tax credit (c)47
 (42) 8
Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (d)
 
 (22)
Foreign income return adjustments(8) 2
 
Impact of the U.K. Finance Acts on deferred tax balances (b)(16) (49) (91)
Depreciation not normalized(10) (10) (5)
Interest benefit on U.K. financing entities(16) (17) (20)
Stock-based compensation (e)(3) (10) 
Deferred tax impact of U.S. tax reform (f)220
 
 
Other(5) (4) (8)
Total increase (decrease)115
 (245) (259)
Total income taxes from continuing operations$784
 $648
 $465
Effective income tax rate41.0% 25.4% 22.5%
(a)In 2021, PPL recorded a $31 million state deferred tax benefit on a net operating loss and an offsetting valuation allowance in connection with the loss on extinguishment associated with a tender offer to purchase and retire PPL Capital Funding's outstanding Senior Notes.
(a)During 2017, PPL recorded an increase in valuation allowances of $23 million primarily related to foreign tax credits recorded in 2016. The future utilization of these credits is expected to be lower as a result of the TCJA.


During 2017In 2023, 2022, and 2016,2021, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense of $16$11 million, $5 million and $13$15 million for valuation allowances primarily related to increased Pennsylvania net operating loss carryforwards expected to be unutilized.

During 2015,(b)In addition to credits internally generated, in 2023, PPL purchased approximately $300 million of renewable tax credits, as allowed by the IRA. PPL recorded $24a current tax benefit and a deferred tax expense for the utilization of approximately $250 million of deferred income tax expense related to deferred tax valuation allowances. PPL recorded state deferred income tax expense of $12 million primarily related to increased Pennsylvania net operating loss carryforwards expected to be unutilizedthe credits in 2023 and $12 million ofprior years, per the three-year carry-back rule.


157


federal deferred income tax expense primarily related to federal tax credit carryforwards that are expected to expire as a result of lower future taxable earnings due to the extension of bonus depreciation.
(b)The U.K. Finance Act 2016, enacted in September 2016, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate effective April 1, 2020 from 18% to 17%. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a $42 million deferred income tax benefit during 2016.

(c)The U.K. Finance Act 2015,2021, formally enacted in November 2015, reducedon June 10, 2021, increased the U.K. statutory incomecorporation tax rate from 20%19% to 19%25%, effective April 1, 2017 and from 19% to 18% effective April 1, 2020. As a result, PPL reduced its net2023. The primary impact of the corporation tax rate increase was an increase in deferred tax liabilities of the U.K. utility business, which was sold on June 14, 2021, and recognized a $90 millioncorresponding deferred income tax benefit during 2015, related to both rate decreases.
(c)During 2017, PPL recorded a federal income tax benefit of $35 million primarily attributable to U.K. pension contributions.

During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense of $83$383 million, which was recognized in continuing operations in 2021.

 202320222021
Taxes, other than income   
State gross receipts (a)$195 $175 $113 
Property and other (a)197 157 94 
Total$392 $332 $207 

(a)Increase in 2022 is primarily related to enactment of the TCJA. The enacted tax law included a conversion from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, effective January 1, 2018. In the transitiondue to the territorial regime,acquisition of RIE on May 25, 2022. The increase in 2023 isprimarily due to the results for 2023 including a one-time transition tax was imposed on PPL’s unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings in 2017. These earnings were treated as a taxable deemed dividendfull year of RIE operations compared to PPL of approximately $462 million, including $205 million of foreign tax credits. As the PPL consolidated U.S. group had a taxable loss for 2017, inclusive of the taxable deemed dividend, these credits were recorded as a deferred tax asset. However, it is expected that under the TCJA,2022, which includes only $83 million of the $205 million of foreign tax credits will be realized in the carry forward period. Accordingly, a valuation allowanceoperations beginning on the current year foreign tax credits in the amount of $122 million has been recorded to reflect the reduction in the future utilization of the credits. The foreign tax credits associated with the deemed repatriation result in a gross carryforward and corresponding deferred tax asset of $205 million offset by a valuation allowance of $122 million.acquisition date.

During 2016, PPL recorded lower income taxes primarily attributable to foreign tax credit carryforwards, arising from a decision to amend prior year tax returns to claim foreign tax credits rather than deduct foreign taxes. This decision was prompted by changes to the Company's most recent business plan.
(d)
During 2015, PPL recorded a $9 million income tax benefit related to a planned amendment of a prior period tax return and a $12 million income tax benefit related to the settlement of the IRS audit for the tax years 1998-2011.
(e)During 2016, PPL recorded lower income tax expense related to the application of new stock-based compensation accounting guidance. See Note 1 for additional information.
(f)During 2017, PPL recorded deferred income tax expense related to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
 2017 2016 2015
Taxes, other than income     
State gross receipts (a)$102
 $100
 $89
State capital stock(6) 
 
Foreign property127
 135
 148
Domestic Other69
 66
 62
Total$292
 $301
 $299
(a)
In 2015, the settlement of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit resulted in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves.


(PPL Electric)

The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUCPAPUC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.


158



Significant components of PPL Electric's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


118

202320232022
Deferred Tax AssetsDeferred Tax Assets  
Accrued pension and postretirement costs
Contributions in aid of construction
Regulatory liabilities
Income taxes due to customers
2017 (a) 2016
Deferred Tax Assets   
Accrued pension costs$63
 $107
Contributions in aid of construction117
 112
Regulatory liabilities25
 34
Income taxes due to customers (b)193
 
State loss carryforwards19
 22
Federal loss carryforwards91
 147
Other
Other
Other45
 81
Total deferred tax assets553
 503
   
Deferred Tax Liabilities   
Electric utility plant - net (b)1,544
 2,001
Taxes recoverable through future rates (b)
 141
Reacquired debt costs8
 15
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities  
Electric utility plant - net
Regulatory assets150
 240
Regulatory assets
Regulatory assets
Prepayments
Other5
 5
Total deferred tax liabilities1,707
 2,402
Net deferred tax liability$1,154
 $1,899

(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 reflect the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)The impact on net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. federal tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA is primarily related to plant (net of net operating losses) and resulted in a regulatory liability for income taxes due to customers, the deferred tax impact of which is reflected as a deferred tax asset.


At December 31, 2017, PPL Electric had the following loss carryforwards and relatedexpects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets:assets.

 Gross Deferred Tax Asset Expiration
Loss carryforwards (a)     
Federal net operating losses$426
 $89
 2031-2037
Federal charitable contributions8
 2
 2020-2022
State net operating losses233
 18
 2030-2032
State charitable contributions13
 1
 2018-2022
(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA, deferred tax assets are reflected at the new U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%.

Credit carryforwards were insignificant at December 31, 2017.

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were as follows.follows:
 202320222021
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Current - Federal$91 $63 $40 
Current - State31 20 35 
Total Current Expense (Benefit)122 83 75 
Deferred - Federal28 60 59 
Deferred - State18 31 20 
Total Deferred Expense (Benefit), excluding operating loss carryforwards46 91 79 
Total income tax expense (benefit)$168 $174 $154 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - Federal$119 $123 $99 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - State49 51 55 
Total income tax expense (benefit)$168 $174 $154 

 202320222021
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 21%$144$147$126
Increase (decrease) due to:   
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit495446
Depreciation and other items not normalized(9)(7)(5)
Amortization of excess deferred federal income taxes (a)(11)(12)(14)
State income tax rate change (b)(9)
Other(5)11
Total increase (decrease)242728
Total income tax expense (benefit)$168$174$154
Effective income tax rate24.5%24.9%25.7%
(a)In 2023, 2022, and 2021, PPL Electric recorded lower income tax expense for the amortization of excess deferred taxes that primarily resulted from the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA. This amortization represents each year's refund amount, prior to a tax gross-up, to be paid to customers for previously collected deferred taxes at higher income tax rates.
(b)2022 includes a deferred tax benefit of $9 million due to the corporate net income tax rate reduction. See "Other - Pennsylvania State Tax Reform" below for additional information.


 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     
Current - Federal$(65) $(29) $(80)
Current - State20
 19
 23
Total Current Expense (Benefit)(45) (10) (57)
Deferred - Federal (a)234
 193
 287
Deferred - State29
 29
 12
Total Deferred Expense, excluding operating loss carryforwards263
 222
 299
      


119

159


 2017 2016 2015
Amortization of investment tax credit
 
 
Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards     
Deferred - Federal(5) 
 (75)
Deferred - State
 
 (3)
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(5) 
 (78)
Total income tax expense$213
 $212
 $164
      
Total income tax expense - Federal$164
 $164
 $132
Total income tax expense - State49
 48
 32
Total income tax expense$213
 $212
 $164

(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA in 2017, PPL Electric recorded a $13 million deferred tax benefit related to the impact of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 2017 2016 2015
Reconciliation of Income Taxes 
  
  
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%$201
 $193
 $146
Increase (decrease) due to: 
  
  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit36
 36
 25
Depreciation not normalized(8) (8) (4)
Stock-based compensation (a)(2) (6) 
Deferred tax impact of U.S. tax reform (b)(13) 
 
Other(1) (3) (3)
Total increase (decrease)12
 19
 18
Total income tax expense$213
 $212
 $164
Effective income tax rate37.0% 38.4% 39.4%
 202320222021
Taxes, other than income   
State gross receipts$136 $142 $113 
Property and other
Total$143 $149 $120 
 
(a)During 2016, PPL Electric recorded lower income tax expense related to the application of new stock-based compensation accounting guidance. See Note 1 for additional information.
(b)During 2017, PPL Electric recorded a deferred tax benefit related to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
 2017 2016 2015
Taxes, other than income 
  
  
State gross receipts (a)$102
 $100
 $89
Property and other5
 5
 5
Total$107
 $105
 $94
(a)
In 2015, the settlement of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit resulted in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves.

(LKE)
The provision for LKE's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC, VSCC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.



160


Significant components of LKE's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
 2017 (a) 2016
Deferred Tax Assets   
Federal loss carryforwards$150
 $248
State loss carryforwards41
 35
Federal tax credit carryforwards181
 186
Contributions in aid of construction17
 29
Regulatory liabilities37
 60
Accrued pension costs29
 58
Income taxes due to customers (b)305
 15
Deferred investment tax credits33
 51
Derivative liability7
 12
Other26
 49
Valuation allowances(8) (11)
Total deferred tax assets818
 732
    
Deferred Tax Liabilities   
Plant - net (b)1,615
 2,352
Regulatory assets61
 102
Other8
 13
Total deferred tax liabilities1,684
 2,467
Net deferred tax liability$866
 $1,735

(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 reflect the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)The impact on net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. federal tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA is primarily related to plant (net of net operating losses) and resulted in a regulatory liability for income taxes due to customers, the deferred tax impact of which is reflected as a deferred tax asset.

At December 31, 2017, LKE had the following loss and tax credit carryforwards, related deferred tax assets, and valuation allowances recorded against the deferred tax assets.
 Gross Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Expiration
Loss carryforwards (a)       
Federal net operating losses$713
 $150
 $
 2028-2037
Federal charitable contributions14
 3
 
 2020-2022
State net operating losses874
 41
 
 2028-2037
Credit carryforwards       
Federal investment tax credit  133
 
 2025-2036
Federal alternative minimum tax credit (b)  27
 
 Indefinite
Federal - other  21
 (8) 2019-2037
State - other  1
 
 Indefinite

(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA, deferred tax assets are reflected at the new U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%.
(b)The TCJA repealed the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The existing indefinite carryforward period for AMT credits was retained.

Changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were: 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 Additions Deductions 
Balance
at End
of Period
2017$11
 $4
(a)$7
(b)$8
201612
 
 1
(b)11
2015
 12
(c)
 12

(a)Federal tax credits expiring in 2021 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.
(b)Federal tax credit expiring.
(c)Federal tax credits expiring in 2016 through 2020 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.


161


Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:
 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 
  
  
Current - Federal$74
 $(36) $2
Current - State6
 1
 1
Total Current Expense (Benefit)80
 (35) 3
Deferred - Federal (a)268
 248
 405
Deferred - State32
 38
 32
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards300
 286
 437
Amortization of investment tax credit - Federal(3) (3) (3)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards 
  
  
Deferred - Federal(2) 10
 (198)
Deferred - State
 (1) 
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(2) 9
 (198)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (b)$375
 $257
 $239
      
Total income tax expense - Federal$337
 $219
 $206
Total income tax expense - State38
 38
 33
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (b)$375
 $257
 $239

(a)Due to the enactment of the TCJA in 2017, LKE recorded $112 million of deferred income tax expense, of which $108 million related to the impact of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on deferred tax assets and liabilities and $4 million related to valuation allowances on tax credits expiring in 2021.
(b)Excludes deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of $(10) million in 2017, $(16) million in 2016 and less than $(1) million in 2015.
 2017 2016 2015
Reconciliation of Income Taxes 
  
  
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%$242
 $240
 $211
Increase (decrease) due to: 
  
  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit25
 25
 22
Amortization of investment tax credit(3) (3) (3)
Valuation allowance adjustment (a)
 
 12
Stock-based compensation (b)1
 (3) 
Deferred tax impact of U.S. tax reform (c)112
 
 
Other(2) (2) (3)
Total increase133
 17
 28
Total income tax expense$375
 $257
 $239
Effective income tax rate54.3% 37.5% 39.6%

(a)
Represents a valuation allowance against tax credits expiring through 2020 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.
(b)
During 2016, LKE recorded lower income tax expense related to the application of new stock-based compensation accounting guidance. See Note 1 for additional information.
(c)During 2017, LKE recorded deferred income tax expense primarily due to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
 2017 2016 2015
Taxes, other than income 
  
  
Property and other$65
 $62
 $57
Total$65
 $62
 $57

(LG&E)
 
The provision for LG&E's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.


162



Significant components of LG&E's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
 20232022
Deferred Tax Assets  
Contributions in aid of construction$18 $17 
Regulatory liabilities19 18 
Accrued pension and postretirement costs— 
Deferred investment tax credits
Income taxes due to customers115 119 
State tax credit carryforwards
Lease liabilities
Valuation allowances(8)(9)
Other
Total deferred tax assets175 174 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Plant - net877 869 
Regulatory assets67 69 
Lease right-of-use assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities951 945 
Net deferred tax liability$776 $771 
 2017 (a) 2016
Deferred Tax Assets   
Federal loss carryforwards$29
 $80
Contributions in aid of construction11
 18
Regulatory liabilities21
 34
Deferred investment tax credits9
 14
Income taxes due to customers (b)142
 17
Derivative liability7
 12
Other12
 17
Total deferred tax assets231
 192
    
Deferred Tax Liabilities   
Plant - net (b)724
 1,058
Regulatory assets40
 65
Accrued pension costs34
 35
Other5
 8
Total deferred tax liabilities803
 1,166
Net deferred tax liability$572
 $974

(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 reflect the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)The impact on net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. federal tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA is primarily related to plant (net of net operating losses) and resulted in a regulatory liability for income taxes due to customers, the deferred tax impact of which is reflected as a deferred tax asset.

LG&E expects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets.


At December 31, 2017,2023, LG&E had $140$8 million of federal net operating lossstate credit carryforwards that expire in 20352028 and $6an $8 million of federalvaluation allowance related to state credit carryforwards that expire from 2034due to 2037.insufficient projected Kentucky taxable income.
 
Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:
 202320222021
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Current - Federal$70 $60 $41 
Current - State13 
Total Current Expense (Benefit)83 69 46 
Deferred - Federal(15)(10)
Deferred - State
Total Deferred Expense (Benefit)(13)(5)
Amortization of investment tax credit - Federal(1)(1)(1)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$69 $63 $54 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - Federal$54 $49 $41 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - State15 14 13 
Total income tax expense (benefit)$69 $63 $54 

 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 
  
  
Current - Federal$
 $(22) $(15)
Current - State5
 1
 3
Total current Expense (Benefit)5
 (21) (12)
Deferred - Federal112
 134
 190
Deferred - State14
 18
 13
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards126
 152
 203
Amortization of investment tax credit - Federal(1) (1) (1)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards   
  
Deferred - Federal1
 (4) (76)
Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards1
 (4) (76)
Total income tax expense$131
 $126
 $114
      
Total income tax expense - Federal$112
 $107
 $98
Total income tax expense - State19
 19
 16
Total income tax expense$131
 $126
 $114


120

163


 202320222021
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 21%$70$70$64
Increase (decrease) due to:   
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit131312
Amortization of excess deferred federal and state income taxes(13)(18)(20)
Other(1)(2)(2)
Total increase (decrease)(1)(7)(10)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$69$63$54
Effective income tax rate20.6%18.8%17.8%

 2017 2016 2015
Reconciliation of Income Taxes 
  
  
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at     
statutory tax rate - 35%$120
 $115
 $105
Increase (decrease) due to: 
  
  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit13
 12
 11
Amortization of investment tax credit(1) (1) (1)
Other(1) 
 (1)
Total increase11
 11
 9
Total income tax expense$131
 $126
 $114
Effective income tax rate38.1% 38.3% 38.1%
2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Taxes, other than income 
  
  
Taxes, other than income  
Property and other$33
 $32
 $28
Total$33
 $32
 $28
 
(KU)
 
The provision for KU's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC, the VSCC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.


Significant components of KU's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
 20232022
Deferred Tax Assets  
Contributions in aid of construction$10 $
Regulatory liabilities23 23 
Deferred investment tax credits21 21 
Income taxes due to customers131 136 
State tax credit carryforwards
Lease liabilities
Valuation allowances(2)(3)
Other
Total deferred tax assets197 199 
Deferred Tax Liabilities  
Plant - net1,045 1,028 
Regulatory assets50 56 
Pension and postretirement costs
Lease right-of-use assets
Other— 
Total deferred tax liabilities1,109 1,095 
Net deferred tax liability$912 $896 
 2017 (a) 2016
Deferred Tax Assets   
Federal loss carryforwards$13
 $79
Contributions in aid of construction6
 11
Regulatory liabilities16
 26
Deferred investment tax credits24
 37
Income taxes due to customers (b)163
 
Other9
 11
Total deferred tax assets231
 164
    
Deferred Tax Liabilities   
Plant - net (b)882
 1,280
Regulatory assets21
 37
Accrued pension costs17
 12
Other2
 5
Total deferred tax liabilities922
 1,334
Net deferred tax liability$691
 $1,170


(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 reflect the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% enacted by the TCJA.
(b)The impact on net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. federal tax rate reduction enacted by the TCJA is primarily related to plant (net of net operating losses) and resulted in a regulatory liability for income taxes due to customers, the deferred tax impact of which is reflected as a deferred tax asset.

KU expects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets.
At December 31, 2017,2023, KU had $61$4 million of federal net operating lossstate credit carryforwards thatof which $2 million will expire in 20352028 and $6$2 million of federalthat has an indefinite carryforward period. At December 31, 2023, KU had a $2 million valuation allowance related to state credit carryforwards that expire from 2034due to 2037.insufficient projected Kentucky taxable income.




164
121


Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were: 
 202320222021
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Current - Federal$73 $63 $58 
Current - State13 11 
Total Current Expense (Benefit)86 74 66 
Deferred - Federal(11)(3)(4)
Deferred - State
Total Deferred Expense (Benefit)(7)
Amortization of investment tax credit - Federal(2)(2)(2)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$77 $76 $67 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - Federal$60 $58 $52 
Total income tax expense (benefit) - State17 18 15 
Total income tax expense (benefit)$77 $76 $67 
 2017 2016 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 
  
  
Current - Federal$
 $31
 $(21)
Current - State7
 5
 1
Total Current Expense (Benefit)7
 36
 (20)
Deferred - Federal138
 131
 240
Deferred - State16
 19
 19
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards154
 150
 259
Amortization of investment tax credit - Federal(2) (2) (2)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards 
  
  
Deferred - Federal
 (21) (97)
Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards
 (21) (97)
Total income tax expense (a)$159
 $163
 $140
      
Total income tax expense - Federal$136
 $139
 $120
Total income tax expense - State23
 24
 20
Total income tax expense (a)$159
 $163
 $140
 202320222021
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 21%$82$84$76
Increase (decrease) due to:   
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit151614
Amortization of investment tax credit(2)(2)(2)
Amortization of excess deferred federal and state income taxes(17)(21)(20)
Other(1)(1)(1)
Total decrease(5)(8)(9)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$77$76$67
Effective income tax rate19.8%19.1%18.4%

(a)Excludes deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of less than $1 million in 2017, and less than $(1) million in 2016 and 2015.

 2017 2016 2015
Reconciliation of Income Taxes 
  
  
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%$146
 $150
 $131
Increase (decrease) due to: 
  
  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit15
 16
 13
Amortization of investment tax credit(2) (2) (2)
Other
 (1) (2)
Total increase13
 13
 9
Total income tax expense$159
 $163
 $140
Effective income tax rate38.0% 38.1% 37.4%
 202320222021
Taxes, other than income   
Property and other$45 $45 $41 
Total$45 $45 $41 

 2017 2016 2015
Taxes, other than income 
  
  
Property and other$32
 $30
 $29
Total$32
 $30
 $29
(All Registrants)


Unrecognized Tax Benefits(All Registrants)

PPL or its subsidiaries file tax returns in four major tax jurisdictions. The income tax provisions for PPL Electric, LG&E and KU are calculated in accordance with an intercompany tax sharing agreement, which provides that taxable income be calculated as if each domestic subsidiary filed a separate consolidated return. Based on this tax sharing agreement, PPL Electric or its subsidiaries indirectly or directly file tax returns in twothree major tax jurisdictions, and LKE, LG&E and KU or their subsidiaries indirectly or directly file tax returns in two major tax jurisdictions. With few exceptions, at December 31, 2017,2023, these jurisdictions, as well as the tax years that are no longer subject to examination, were as follows. 
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
U.S. (federal)2019 and prior2019 and prior2019 and prior2019 and prior
Pennsylvania (state)PPL2017 and priorPPL Electric2017 and priorLKELG&EKU
U.S. (federal)Kentucky (state)20132018 and prior20132018 and prior20132018 and prior20132018 and prior
U.K. (foreign)20132021 and prior
Pennsylvania (state)2011 and prior2011 and prior
Kentucky (state)2012 and prior2012 and prior2012 and prior2012 and prior
U.K. (foreign)2014 and prior




165
122


Other
Other(PPL)

Purchase of Renewable Tax Credits (PPL)

During 2023, PPL purchased approximately $300 million of renewable tax credits, as allowed by the IRA. The credits were acquired at a discount. PPL believes that it will be able to monetize the acquired credits within the foreseeable future and recorded the associated benefit of the discount as a reduction of income taxes as of December 31, 2023. In 2015,addition, PPL recorded a deferred tax benefitasset representing credits that will be utilized in future periods.

Narragansett Electric Acquisition (PPL)

The acquisition of $24 million,Narragansett Electric on May 25, 2022 was deemed an asset acquisition for federal and state income tax purposes, as a result of PPL and National Grid making a tax election under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §338(h)(10). Accordingly, the tax bases of substantially all of the assets acquired were increased to fair market value, which equaled net book value, thereby eliminating the related deferred tax assets and liabilities. This election resulted in tax goodwill that will be amortized for tax purposes over 15 years.

Pennsylvania State Tax Reform (PPL and PPL Electric)

On July 8, 2022, the Governor of Pennsylvania signed into law Pennsylvania House Bill 1342 (H.B. 1342). Among other changes to the settlementstate tax code, the bill reduces the corporate net income tax rate from 9.99% to 8.99% beginning January 1, 2023, and further reduces the rate annually by half a percentage point until the rate reaches 4.99% in 2031.

Inflation Reduction Act (All Registrants)

On August 16, 2022, the IRA was signed into law. Among other things, the IRA enacted a new 15% corporate "book minimum tax," which is based on adjusted GAAP pre-tax income and is only applicable to corporations whose pre-tax income exceeds a certain threshold. PPL does not expect to be subject to the book minimum tax for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Registrants will continue to assess the impacts of the IRA on their financial statements and will monitor guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury in the future. In addition, the IRA enacted numerous new tax credits, largely associated with renewable energy. PPL continues to assess the applicability of these provisions to PPL and its subsidiaries.

IRS auditRevenue Procedure 2023-15 (PPL and LG&E)

On April 14, 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine whether expenses to repair, maintain, replace, or improve natural gas transmission and distribution property must be capitalized for tax years 1998-2011. Of this amount, $12 million is reflected in continuing operations.purposes. PPL finalizedand LG&E are currently reviewing the settlement of interest in 2016 and recorded an additional $3 million tax benefit.revenue procedure to determine its potential impact on their financial statements.


6.7. Utility Rate Regulation

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

(All Registrants)

PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU reflect the effects of regulatory actions in the financial statements for their cost-based rate-regulated utility operations. Regulatory assets and liabilities are classified as current if, upon initial recognition, the entire amount related to an item will be recovered or refunded within a year of the balance sheet date.


(PPL)

WPDRIE is not subject to accounting for the effectsjurisdiction of certain typesthe RIPUC, the Rhode Island Division of regulationPublic Utilities and Carriers, and the FERC. RIE operates under a FERC-approved open access transmission tariff. RIE's base distribution rates are calculated based on recovery of costs as prescribed by GAAPwell as a return on rate base. Certain other recovery mechanisms exist to recover expenses and does not record regulatory assets and liabilities. See Note 1 for additional information.capital investments with a return on rate base separate from the base distribution rate case process.



123

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

LG&E is subject to the jurisdiction of the KPSC and the FERC, and KU is subject to the jurisdiction of the KPSC, the FERC and the VSCC.

LG&E's and KU's Kentucky base rates are calculated based on recovery of costs as well as a return on capitalization (common equity, long-term debt and short-term debt) including adjustments for certain net investments and costs recovered separately through other means. As such, LG&E and KU generally earn a return on regulatory assets.
As a result of purchase accounting requirements, certain fair value amounts related to contracts that had favorable or unfavorable terms relative to market were recorded on the Balance Sheets with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. LG&E and KU recover in customer rates the cost of power purchases. As a result, management believes the regulatory assets and liabilities created to offset the fair value amounts at LKE's acquisition date meet the recognition criteria established by existing accounting guidance and eliminate any rate-making impact of the fair value adjustments. LG&E's and KU's customer rates continue to reflect the original contracted prices for remaining contracts.

(PPL LKE and KU)

KU's Virginia base rates are calculated based on recovery of costs as well as a return on rate base (net utility plant plus working capital less accumulated deferred income taxes and miscellaneous deductions). AllAs all regulatory assets and liabilities, except for regulatory assets and liabilities related to the levelized fuel factor, are excluded from the return on rate base utilized in the calculation of Virginia base rates. Therefore, no return is earned on the related assets.
KU's rates to municipal customers for wholesale requirements are calculated based on annual updates to a rate formula that utilizes a return on rate base (net utility plant plus working capital lessaccumulated deferred income taxes, pension and miscellaneous deductions). All regulatory assetspostretirement benefits, and liabilities, except regulatory assets recorded for AROs related to certain CCR impoundments, are excluded from the return on rate base utilized in the developmentcalculation of municipal rates. Therefore,Virginia base rates, no return is earned on the related assets.

KU's rates to municipal customers for wholesale power requirements are calculated based on annual updates to a formula rate that utilizes a return on rate base (net utility plant plus working capital less accumulated deferred income taxes and miscellaneous deductions). As all regulatory assets and liabilities, except accumulated deferred income taxes, are excluded from the return on rate base utilized in the development of municipal rates, no return is earned on the related assets.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric is subject to the jurisdiction of the PAPUC and the FERC. PPL Electric's distribution base rates are calculated based on recovery of costs as well as a return on distribution rate base (net utility plant plus a working capital allowance less plant-related deferred taxes and other miscellaneous additions and deductions). PPL Electric's transmission revenues are billed in accordance with a FERC tariff that allows for recovery of transmission costs incurred, a return on transmission-related rate base (net utility plant plus a working capital allowance less plant-related deferred taxes and other miscellaneous additions and deductions) and an automatic annual update. See "Transmission Formula Rate" below for additional information on this tariff. All regulatory assets and liabilities are excluded from distribution and transmission return on investment calculations; therefore, generally no return is earned on PPL Electric's regulatory assets.


166



(All Registrants)

The following table provides information about the regulatory assets and liabilities of cost-based rate-regulated utility operations at December 31,:31:

 PPL PPL Electric
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Current Regulatory Assets:       
Environmental cost recovery$5
 $6
 $
 $
Generation formula rate6
 11
 
 
Transmission service charge
 7
 
 7
Gas supply clause4
 3
 
 
Smart meter rider15
 6
 15
 6
Storm costs
 5
 
 5
Other4
 1
 1
 1
Total current regulatory assets (a)$34
 $39
 $16
 $19
        
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets:       
Defined benefit plans$880
 $947
 $504
 $549
Taxes recoverable through future rates3
 340
 3
 340
Storm costs33
 57
 
 9
Unamortized loss on debt54
 61
 29
 36
Interest rate swaps26
 31
 
 
Terminated interest rate swaps92
 98
 
 
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant173
 159
 173
 159
AROs234
 211
 
 
Other9
 14
 
 1
Total noncurrent regulatory assets$1,504
 $1,918
 $709
 $1,094

124
Current Regulatory Liabilities:       
Generation supply charge$34
 $23
 $34
 $23
Transmission service charge9
 
 9
 
Universal service rider26
 14
 26
 14
Transmission formula rate9
 15
 9
 15
Fuel adjustment clauses3
 11
 
 
Act 129 compliance rider
 17
 
 17
Storm damage expense rider8
 13
 8
 13
Other6
 8
 
 1
Total current regulatory liabilities$95
 $101
 $86
 $83
        
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities:       
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant$677
 $700
 $
 $
Power purchase agreement - OVEC (b)68
 75
 
 
Net deferred taxes (c)1,853
 23
 668
 
Defined benefit plans27
 23
 
 
Terminated interest rate swaps74
 78
 
 
Other5
 
 
 
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities$2,704
 $899
 $668
 $
 LKE LG&E KU
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Current Regulatory Assets:           
Environmental cost recovery$5
 $6
 $5
 $6
 $
 $
Generation formula rate6
 11
 
 
 6
 11
Gas supply clause4
 3
 4
 3
 
 
Other3
 
 3
 
 
 
Total current regulatory assets$18
 $20
 $12
 $9
 $6
 $11


167


 PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
 20232022202320222023202220232022
Current Regulatory Assets:    
Gas supply clause$— $41 $— $— $— $13 $— $— 
Rate adjustment mechanism118 96 — — — — — — 
Renewable energy certificates14 14 — — — — — — 
Derivative Instruments51 41 — — — — — — 
Smart meter rider— — — — 
Storm damage expense12 — 12 — — — — — 
Universal service rider— — — — — — 
Fuel adjustment clause38 — — — 29 
Transmission service charge43 — 31 — — — — — 
DSIC— — — — 
Other38 15 — 
Total current regulatory assets$293 $258 $57 $13 $$23 $$32 
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets:   
Defined benefit plans$887 $778 $417 $353 $217 $209 $136 $140 
Plant outage cost38 46 — — 10 12 28 34 
Net Metering112 61 — — — — — — 
Environmental Cost recovery99 102 — — — — — — 
Taxes recoverable through future rates— 47 — — — — — — 
Storm costs97 118 — — 15 14 
Unamortized loss on debt22 21 10 11 
Interest rate swaps— — — — 
Terminated interest rate swaps58 63 — — 34 37 24 26 
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant178 212 178 212 — — — — 
AROs289 295 — — 76 76 213 219 
Derivative Instruments— — — — — — — 
Other79 69 — — 26 14 17 13 
Total noncurrent regulatory assets$1,874 $1,819 $598 $568 $395 $373 $439 $442 
PPLPPL ElectricLG&EKU
20232022202320222023202220232022
Current Regulatory Liabilities:
Generation supply charge$51 $37 $51 $37 $— $— $— $— 
Transmission service charge— 14 — — — — — 
TCJA customer refund15 15 — — — — 
Act 129 compliance rider15 14 15 14 — — — — 
Transmission formula rate21 12 18 12 — — — — 
Rate adjustment mechanism72 96 — — — — — — 
Energy efficiency23 23 — — — — — — 
Gas supply clause15 — — — 15 — — — 
Other23 27 — 
Total current regulatory liabilities
$225 $238 $91 $85 $16 $$$
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities:    
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant$996 $950 $— $— $306 $287 $399 $389 
Power purchase agreement - OVEC19 26 — — 13 18 
Net deferred taxes1,977 2,094 763 775 459 477 523 546 
Defined benefit plans252 187 73 45 20 21 59 56 
Terminated interest rate swaps57 60 — — 29 30 28 30 
Energy efficiency32 — — — — — — 
Other34 63 — — — — — 
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities$3,340 $3,412 $836 $820 $827 $833 $1,018 $1,029 
 LKE LG&E KU
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
            
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets:           
Defined benefit plans$376
 $398
 $234
 $246
 $142
 $152
Storm costs33
 48
 18
 26
 15
 22
Unamortized loss on debt25
 25
 16
 16
 9
 9
Interest rate swaps26
 31
 26
 31
 
 
Terminated interest rate swaps92
 98
 54
 57
 38
 41
AROs234
 211
 61
 70
 173
 141
Other9
 13
 2
 4
 7
 9
Total noncurrent regulatory assets$795
 $824
 $411
 $450
 $384
 $374
Current Regulatory Liabilities:           
Demand side management$
 $3
 $
 $2
 $
 $1
Fuel adjustment clause3
 11
 
 2
 3
 9
Gas line tracker3
 
 3
 
 
 
Other3
 4
 
 1
 3
 3
Total current regulatory liabilities$9
 $18
 $3
 $5
 $6
 $13
            
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities:           
Accumulated cost of removal           
of utility plant$677
 $700
 $282
 $305
 $395
 $395
Power purchase agreement - OVEC (b)68
 75
 47
 52
 21
 23
Net deferred taxes (c)1,185
 23
 552
 23
 633
 
Defined benefit plans27
 23
 
 
 27
 23
Terminated interest rate swaps74
 78
 37
 39
 37
 39
Other5
 
 1
 
 4
 
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities$2,036
 $899
 $919
 $419
 $1,117
 $480
(a)For PPL, these amounts are included in "Other current assets" on the Balance Sheets.
(b)This liability was recorded as an offset to an intangible asset that was recorded at fair value upon the acquisition of LKE by PPL.
(c)Primarily relates to excess deferred taxes recorded as a result of the TCJA, which lowered the federal corporate income tax rate effective January 1, 2018 requiring deferred tax balances and the associated regulatory liabilities to be remeasured as of December 31, 2017.


Following is an overview of selected regulatory assets and liabilities detailed in the preceding tables. Specific developments with respect to certain of these regulatory assets and liabilities are discussed in "Regulatory Matters."



125


Defined Benefit Plans


(All Registrants)


Defined benefit plan regulatory assets and liabilities represent prior service cost and net actuarial gains and losses that will be recovered in defined benefit plans expense through future base rates based upon established regulatory practices and, generally, are amortized over the average remaining service lives of plan participants. These regulatory assets and liabilities are adjusted at least annually or whenever the funded status of defined benefit plans is remeasured. Of the regulatory asset and liability balances recorded, costs of $68 million for PPL, $30 million for PPL Electric, $38 million for LKE, $26 million for LG&E and $12 million for KU, are expected to be amortized into net periodic defined benefit costs in 2018 in accordance with PPL's, PPL Electric's, LKE's, LG&E's and KU's pension accounting policy.


(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)


As a result of the 2014 Kentuckyprevious rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015,settlements and orders, the difference between pension cost calculated in accordance with LG&E's and KU's pension accounting policy and pension cost calculated using a 15-year amortization period for actuarial gains and losses isand settlements are recorded as a regulatory asset. As of December 31, 2017,2023, the balances were $33$86 million for PPL, and LKE, $18$46 million for LG&E and $15$40 million for KU. As of December 31, 2016,2022, the balances were $20$107 million for PPL, and LKE, $11$57 million for LG&E and $9$50 million for KU. Of

(PPL)

RIE is subject to a pension rate adjustment mechanism whereby the costs expecteddifference in amounts allowed to be amortized into net periodic definedrecovered in rates versus actual costs of RIE’s pension and other postretirement benefit costs in 2018, $16 million for PPL and LKE, $10 million for LG&E and $6 million for KU,plans that are expected to be recovered from or passed back to customers in future periods, are also recorded as a regulatory asset in 2018.assets and liabilities.


168




(All Registrants)


Storm Costs


PPL Electric, LG&E and KU have the ability to request from the PUC,PAPUC, the KPSC and the VSCC, as applicable, the authority to treat expenses related to specific extraordinary storms as a regulatory asset and defer such costs for regulatory accounting and reporting purposes. Once such authority is granted, LG&E and KU can request recovery of those expenses in a base rate case and begin amortizing the costs when recovery starts. PPL Electric can recover qualifying expenses caused by major storm events, as defined in its retail tariff, over three years through the Storm Damage Expense Rider commencing in the application year after the storm occurred. PPL Electric's, LG&E's and KU's regulatory assets for storm costs approved for base rate recovery are being amortized through various dates ending in 2020.2031.


As provided in the ASA, RIE has the authority from the RIPUC to treat certain incremental O&M expenses related to specific extraordinary storms as a regulatory asset and defer such costs for regulatory accounting and reporting purposes. Once all expenses for the extraordinary storm have been finalized, RIE files a final accounting of those storm expenses with the RIPUC that is subject to review by the RIPUC and the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.

Unamortized Loss on Debt


Unamortized loss on reacquired debt represents losses on long-term debt refinanced, reacquired or redeemed that have been deferred and will be amortized and recovered over either the original life of the extinguished debt or the life of the replacement debt (in the case of refinancing). Such costs are being amortized through 20292053 for PPL Electric, through 2042 for KU, and through 2044 for PPL, LKE and LG&E.


Accumulated Cost of Removal of Utility Plant


RIE, LG&E and KU charge costs of removal through depreciation expense with an offsetting credit to a regulatory liability. The regulatory liability is relieved as costs are incurred.


PPL Electric does not accrue for costs of removal. When costs of removal are incurred, PPL Electric records the costs as a regulatory asset. Such deferral is included in rates and amortized over the subsequent five-yearfive-year period.


Regulatory Liability Associated with


126

Net Deferred Taxes


Regulatory liabilities associated with net deferred taxes represent the future revenue impact from the adjustment of deferred income taxes required primarily for excess deferred taxes and unamortized investment tax credits. At December 31, 2017, excess deferred taxes recorded ascredits, largely a result of the TCJA were $2.2 billion at PPL, $1.0 billion at PPL Electric, $1.2 billion at LKE, $532 million at LG&E and $634 million at KU, which include the gross-up associated with the excess deferred taxes.enacted in 2017.


(PPL and PPL Electric)


Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC)

The DSIC is authorized under Act 11 and is considered an alternative ratemaking mechanism providing more timely cost recovery of qualifying distribution system capital improvements. DSIC is charged to all customers taking distribution service as a percentage of total distribution revenue (excluding State Tax Adjustment Surcharge). DSIC is capped at 5% of the total amount billed to all customers for distribution service (including reconcilable riders) which provides a safeguard for customers. PPL Electric is permitted to utilize the DSIC mechanism so long as the rolling 12 month ROE for the applicable period does not exceed the PUC ROE in the company’s PAPUC quarterly financial report filing. The DSIC contains a reconciliation mechanism whereby any over- or under-recovery from customers is either refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent year.

Generation Supply Charge (GSC)


The GSC is a cost recovery mechanism that permits PPL Electric to recover costs incurred to provide generation supply to PLR customers who receive basic generation supply service. The recovery includes charges for generation supply, (energy and capacity and ancillary services), as well as administration of the acquisition process. In addition, the GSC contains a reconciliation mechanism whereby any over- or under-recovery from prior quartersperiods is refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent rate filing period.


Transmission Service Charge (TSC)


PPL Electric is charged by PJM for transmission service-related costs applicable to its PLR customers. PPL Electric passes these costs on to customers, who receive basic generation supply service through the PUC-approvedPAPUC-approved TSC cost recovery mechanism. The TSC contains a reconciliation mechanism whereby any over- or under-recovery from customers is either refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent year.


RIE arranges transmission service on behalf of its customers and bills the costs of those services to customers, pursuant to its Transmission Service Cost Adjustment Provision. The TSC contains a reconciliation mechanism whereby any over- or under-recovery from customers is either refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent year.

Transmission Formula Rate


PPL Electric's transmission revenues are billed in accordance with a FERC-approved Open Access Transmission Tariff that utilizes a formula-based rate recovery mechanism. Under this formula, beginning in 2023, rates are put into effect in Juneon January 1st of each year based upon prior year actual expenditures and current yearfrom the most recently filed FERC Form 1, forecasted capital additions.additions, and other data based on PPL Electric’s books and records. 2023 is considered a transitional period as the calendar year rate approved by FERC became effective April 1, 2023. Rates are then adjustedcompared during the following year to reflect actualthe estimated annual expenses and capital additions as reportedthat will be filed in PPL Electric'sElectric’s annual FERC Form 1, filed under the FERC's


169


Uniform System of Accounts. AnyUnder the mechanism, any difference between the revenue requirement in effect for the prior year and actual expenditures incurred for that year is recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.liability, and the regulatory asset or regulatory liability is to be recovered from or returned to customers starting one year after the conclusion of the rate year.


Storm Damage Expense Rider (SDER)


The SDER is a reconcilable automatic adjustment clause under which PPL Electric annually will compare actual storm costs to storm costs allowed in base rates and refund or recover any differences from customers. In the 2015 rate case settlement approved by the PUCPAPUC in November 2015, it was determined that reportable storm damage expenses to be recovered annually through base rates will be set at $15$20 million. The SDER will recover from or refund to customers as appropriate, onlythe applicable expenses from reportable storms that are greater than or less than $15as compared to the $20 million recovered annually through base rates. Beginning January 1, 2018, the amortized 2011 storm expense



127



Taxes Recoverable through Future Rates

Taxes recoverable through future rates represent the portion of future income taxes that will be recovered through future rates based upon established regulatory practices. Accordingly, this regulatory asset is recognized when the offsetting deferred tax liability is recognized. For general-purpose financial reporting, this regulatory asset and the deferred tax liability are not offset; rather, each is displayed separately. This regulatory asset is expected to be recovered over the period that the underlying book-tax timing differences reverse and the actual cash taxes are incurred.

Act 129 Compliance Rider


In compliance with Pennsylvania's Act 129 of 2008 and implementing regulations, PPL Electric is currently in Phase IIV of PPL Electric'sthe energy efficiency and conservation plan which was approved by a PUC order in October 2009. The order allowed PPL Electric to recover the maximum $250 million cost of the program ratably over the life of the plan, from January 1, 2010 through May 31, 2013.March 2021. Phase II of PPL's energy efficiency and conservation plan allowed PPL Electric to recover the maximum $185 million cost of the program over the three year period June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2016. Phase III of PPL's energy efficiency and conservation planIV allows PPL Electric to recover the maximum $313 million over the next five year-year period, June 1, 20162021 through May 31, 2021.2026. The plan includes programs intended to reduce electricity consumption. The recoverable costs include direct and indirect charges, including design and development costs, general and administrative costs and applicable state evaluator costs. The rates are applied to customers who receive distribution service through the Act 129 Compliance Rider. The Phase II program costs were reconciled at the end of the program and any remaining over- or under-recovery was rolled into Phase III. The actual Phase IIIIV program costs are reconcilable after each 12 month12-month period, and any over- or under-recovery from customers will be refunded or recovered over the next rate filing period. See below under "Regulatory Matters - Pennsylvania Activities" for additional information on Act 129.


Smart Meter Rider (SMR)


Act 129 which became effective November 14, 2008, requires each electric distribution company (EDC) with more than 100,000 customers to have a PUCPAPUC approved Smart Meter Technology Procurement and Installation Plan (SMP). As of December 31, 2019, PPL Electric filedreplaced substantially all of its initial SMP in 2009. However, in 2010, the PUC found that PPL Electric's "Advanced Metering Infrastructure" (AMI) system did not fully meet the standards of Act 129. In 2014, PPL Electric filed its current SMP, which was approved by the PUC in 2015. Under its SMP, PPL Electric will replace its currentold meters with new meters that meet the Act 129 requirements by the end of 2019. Underunder its SMP. In accordance with Act 129, EDCs are able to recover the costs and earn a return on capital of providing smart metering technology. PPL Electric uses a mechanism known as the Smart Meter Rider (SMR)SMR to recover the costs to implement its SMP on a full and current basis.SMP. The SMR is a reconciliation mechanism whereby any over-orover- or under-recovery from prior years is refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent quarters.


Universal Service Rider (USR)


The USR provides for recovery of costs associated with universal service programs, OnTrack and Winter Relief Assistance Program (WRAP), provided by PPL Electric to residential customers. OnTrack is a special payment program for low-income households and WRAP provides low-income customers a means to reduce electric bills through energy saving methods. The USR rate is applied to residential customers who receive distribution service. The actual program costs are reconcilable, and any over- or under-recovery from customers will be refunded or recovered annually in the subsequent year.



TCJA Customer Refund


170


As a result of the reduced U.S federal corporate income tax rate as enacted by the TCJA, the PAPUC ruled that these tax benefits should be refunded to customers. Timing differences between the recognition of these tax benefits and the refund of the benefit to the customer creates a regulatory liability. PPL Electric's liability is being credited back to distribution customers through a temporary negative surcharge and remains in place until PPL Electric files and the PAPUC approves new base rates. The TCJA is reconcilable, and any over- or under-recovery from customers will be refunded or recovered annually in the subsequent year.



(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)


Fuel Adjustment Clauses

LG&E's and KU's retail electric rates contain a fuel adjustment clause, whereby variances in power purchases and the cost of fuel to generate electricity, including transportation costs, from the costs embedded in base rates are adjusted in LG&E's and KU's rates. The KPSC requires formal reviews at six-month intervals to examine past fuel adjustments and at two-year intervals to review past operations of the fuel adjustment clause and, to the extent appropriate, may conduct public hearings and reestablish the fuel charge included in base rates. The regulatory assets or liabilities represent the amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanism and are typically recovered within 12 months.

KU also employs a levelized fuel factor mechanism for Virginia customers using an average fuel cost factor based primarily on projected fuel costs and load for the fuel year (12 months ending March 31). The Virginia levelized fuel factor allows fuel recovery based on projected fuel costs for the fuel year plus an adjustment for any under- or over-recovery of fuel expenses from the prior fuel year. The regulatory assets or liabilities represent the amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanism and are typically recovered or refunded within 12 months.

AROs

As discussed in Note 1, for LG&E and KU, all ARO accretion and depreciation expenses are reclassified as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. ARO regulatory assets associated with certain CCR projects are amortized to expense in accordance with regulatory approvals. For other AROs, deferred accretion and depreciation expense is recovered through cost of removal.


128


Power Purchase Agreement - OVEC

As a result of purchase accounting associated with PPL's acquisition of LG&E and KU, the fair values of the OVEC power purchase agreement were recorded on the balance sheets of LG&E and KU with offsets to regulatory liabilities. The regulatory liabilities are being amortized using the units-of-production method until March 2026, the expiration date of the agreement at the date of the acquisition. LG&E's and KU's customer rates continue to reflect the original contracts. See Notes 13 and 18 for additional discussion of the power purchase agreement.

Interest Rate Swaps

LG&E's unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities until they are realized as interest expense. Interest expense from existing swaps is realized and recovered over the terms of the associated debt, which matures in 2033.

Terminated Interest Rate Swaps

Net realized gains and losses on all interest rate swaps are recovered through regulated rates. As such, any gains and losses on these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities and are primarily recognized in "Interest Expense" on the Statements of Income over the life of the associated debt.

Plant Outage Costs

From July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021, plant outage costs were normalized for ratemaking purposes based on an average level of expenses. Plant outage expenses that were greater or less than the average will be collected from or returned to customers, through future base rates. Effective July 1, 2021 under-recovered plant outage costs are being amortized through 2029 for LG&E and KU.

(PPL)

Derivative Instruments

RIE evaluates open derivative instruments for regulatory deferral by determining if they are probable of recovery from, or refund to, customers through future rates. Derivative instruments that qualify for recovery are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities in the period in which the change occurs. The balance is reconcilable, and any over- or under-recovery from customers will be refunded or recovered annually in the subsequent year.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency represents the difference between revenue billed to customers through RIE's energy efficiency charge and the costs of the RIE’s energy efficiency programs as approved by the RIPUC.

The energy efficiency charge is designed to collect the estimated costs of the RIE’s energy efficiency plan for the upcoming calendar year. The final annual over/under is reconciled in the next year's energy efficiency plan filing, as part of the reconciliation factor calculation. RIE may file to change the energy efficiency plan charge at any time should significant over-or under-recoveries occur.

Net Metering

Net metering deferral reflects the recovery mechanism for costs associated with customer-installed on-site generation facilities, including the costs of renewable generation credits. This surcharge provides RIE with a mechanism to recover such amounts. Net metering is reconcilable annually, and any over- or under-recovery from customers will be refunded to, or recovered from, customers through the adjustment factor determined for the subsequent year.



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Rate Adjustment Mechanisms

In addition to commodity costs, RIE is subject to a number of additional rate adjustment mechanisms whereby an asset or liability is recognized resulting from differences between actual revenues and the underlying cost being recovered or differences between actual revenues and targeted amounts as approved by the RIPUC. The rate adjustment mechanisms are reconcilable, and any over- or under-recovery from customers are to be refunded or recovered annually in the subsequent year.

Renewable energy certificates (RECs)

Represents deferred costs associated with RIE's compliance obligation with the Rhode Island Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS is legislation established to foster the development of new renewable energy sources. The regulatory asset will be recovered over the next year.

Taxes Recoverable through Future Rates

Taxes recoverable through future rates represent the portion of future income taxes that are anticipated to be recovered through future rates based upon established regulatory practices. Accordingly, this regulatory asset is recognized when the offsetting deferred tax liability is recognized. For general-purpose financial reporting, this regulatory asset and the deferred tax liability are not offset; rather, each is displayed separately. This regulatory asset is expected to be recovered over the period that the underlying book-tax timing differences reverse and the actual cash taxes are incurred.

(PPL, LG&E and KU)

Environmental Cost Recovery


Kentucky law permits LG&E and KU to recover the costs, including a return of operating expenses and a return of and on capital invested, of complying with the Clean Air Act and those federal, state or local environmental requirements, which apply to coal combustion wastes and by-products from coal-fired electricity generating facilities. The KPSC requires reviews of the past operations of the environmental surcharge for six-month and two-year billing periods to evaluate the related charges, credits and rates of return, as well as to provide for the roll-in of ECR amounts to base rates each two-year period. In December 2017, theThe KPSC issued orders continuing the use of anhas authorized return on equity of 9.7%9.35% for all existing approved ECR plans and projects. The ECR regulatory asset or liability represents the amount that has been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanism and is typically recovered or refunded within 12 months.


Fuel Adjustment Clauses

LG&E's and KU's retail electric rates contain a fuel adjustment clause, whereby variances in the cost of fuel to generate electricity, including transportation costs, from the costs embedded in base rates are adjusted in LG&E's and KU's rates. The KPSC requires public hearings at six-month intervals to examine past fuel adjustments and at two-year intervals to review past operationsRIE's rate plans provide for specific rate allowances for RIE's share of the fuel adjustment clauseestimated costs to investigate and perform certain remediation activities at sites with which it may be associated, with variances deferred for future recovery from, or return to, customers. RIE believes future costs, beyond the extent appropriate, reestablish the fuel charge included in baseexpiration of current rate plans, will continue to be recovered through rates. The regulatory assets or liabilities representasset represents the excess of amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanismincurred for RIE's actual site investigation and are typically recovered within 12 months.remediation costs versus amounts received in rates.

KU also employs a levelized fuel factor mechanism for Virginia customers using an average fuel cost factor based primarily on projected fuel costs. The Virginia levelized fuel factor allows fuel recovery based on projected fuel costs for the coming year plus an adjustment for any under- or over-recovery of fuel expenses from the prior year. The regulatory assets or liabilities represent the amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanism and are typically recovered within 12 months.

Demand Side Management

LG&E's and KU's DSM programs consist of energy efficiency programs, intended to reduce peak demand and delay investment in additional power plant construction, provide customers with tools and information to become better managers of their energy usage and prepare for potential future legislation governing energy efficiency. LG&E's and KU's rates contain a DSM provision, which includes a rate recovery mechanism that provides for concurrent recovery of DSM costs and incentives, and allows for the recovery of DSM revenues from lost sales associated with the DSM programs. Additionally, LG&E and KU earn an approved return on equity for capital expenditures associated with the residential and commercial load management and demand conservation programs. The cost of DSM programs is assigned only to the class or classes of customers that benefit from the programs.

AROs

As discussed in Note 1, for LKE, LG&E and KU, all ARO accretion and depreciation expenses are reclassified as a regulatory asset. ARO regulatory assets associated with certain CCR projects are amortized to expense in accordance with regulatory approvals. For other AROs, at the time of retirement, the related ARO regulatory asset is offset against the associated cost of removal regulatory liability, PP&E and ARO liability.

Power Purchase Agreement - OVEC

As a result of purchase accounting associated with PPL's acquisition of LKE, the fair values of the OVEC power purchase agreement were recorded on the balance sheets of LKE, LG&E and KU with offsets to regulatory liabilities. The regulatory liabilities are being amortized using the units-of-production method until March 2026, the expiration date of the agreement at the date of the acquisition. See Notes 1, 13 and 18 for additional discussion of the power purchase agreement.

Interest Rate Swaps

LG&E's unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities until they are realized as interest expense. Interest expense from existing swaps is realized and recovered over the terms of the associated debt, which matures through 2033.


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Terminated Interest Rate Swaps

Net realized gains and losses on all interest rate swaps are probable of recovery through regulated rates; as such, any gains and losses on these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities and are primarily recognized in "Interest Expense" on the Statements of Income over the life of the associated debt.

A net cash settlement of $9 million was paid on a swap that was terminated by LG&E in December 2016. The KPSC authorized the recording of a regulatory asset and the recovery of such costs. As part of the Stipulation to the 2016 Kentucky rate case that became effective July 1, 2017, the KPSC authorized LG&E to recover the swap termination payment through amortization of the regulatory asset using a straight-line method over 17 years. The amortization of the regulatory asset is recognized in "Interest Expense" on the Statements of Income.

Plant Outage Costs

The Stipulation to the 2016 Kentucky rate case that became effective July 1, 2017 provided for the normalization of expenses associated with plant outages using an eight-year average. The eight-year average is comprised of four historical years' and four forecasted years' expenses. Plant outage expenses that are greater or less than the eight-year average will be collected from or returned to customers, through future base rates. These amounts are included in other current regulatory assets or other current regulatory liabilities above.


(PPL LKE and LG&E)


Gas Line Tracker

The GLT authorizes LG&E to recover its incremental operating expenses, depreciation, property taxes and cost of capital, including a return on equity, for capital associated with the five year gas service riser, leak mitigation and customer service line ownership programs. As part of this program, LG&E makes necessary repairs to the gas distribution system and assumes ownership of service lines when replaced. In the 2016 rate case, the KPSC approved additional projects for recovery through the GLT mechanism related to further gas line replacements and transmission pipeline modernizations. Effective July 1, 2017, LG&E is authorized to earn a 9.7% return on equity for the GLT mechanism. As part of the 2016 rate case, LG&E now annually files a combined application which includes revised rates based on projected costs and a balancing adjustment calculation with rates effective on the first billing cycle in May. After the completion of a plan year, the balancing adjustment, as part of the combined application filing to the KPSC, amends rates charged for the differences between the actual costs and actual GLT charges for the preceding year. The regulatory assets or liabilities represent the amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to these cost differences.

Gas Supply Clause


LG&E's natural gas rates contain a gas supply clause, whereby the expected cost of natural gas supply and variances between actual and expected costs and customer usage from prior periods are adjusted quarterly in LG&E's rates, subject to approval by the KPSC. The gas supply clause also includes a separate natural gas procurement incentive mechanism, which allows LG&E's rates to be adjusted annually to share savings between the actual cost of gas purchases and market indices, with the shareholders and the customers during each performance-based rate year (12 months ending October 31). The regulatory assets or liabilities represent the total amounts that have been under- or over-recovered due to timing or adjustments to the mechanisms and are typically recovered or refunded within 18 months.


(PPL, LKE and KU)

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Generation Formula Rates

KU provides wholesale requirements service to its municipal customers and bills for this service pursuant to a FERC approved generation formula rate. Under this formula, rates are put into effect in July of each year utilizing a return on rate base calculation and actual expenses from the preceding year. The regulatory asset represents the difference between the revenue requirement in effect for the preceding year and actual expenditures incurred for the current year.



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Regulatory Matters


Rhode Island Activities(PPL)


U.K. ActivitiesRate Case proceedings


RIIO-ED1Pursuant to Report and Order No. 23823 issued May 5, 2020, the RIPUC approved the terms of an Amended Settlement Agreement (ASA), reflecting an allowed return on equity (ROE) rate of 9.275% based on a common equity ratio of approximately 51%. RIE is currently in year six of the multi-year rate plan (Rate Plan). On June 30, 2021, the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers consented to an open-ended extension of the term of the Rate Plan. Pursuant to the settlement with the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General in connection with the acquisition of RIE by PPL, RIE currently does not anticipate filing a new base rate case before October 1, 2025. Pursuant to the open-ended extension, the Rate Year 3 level of base distribution rates under ASA will remain in effect and RIE will continue to operate under the current Rate Plan until a new Rate Plan is approved by the RIPUC.


The ASA includes additional provisions, including (i) an Electric Transportation Initiative (the ET Initiative) to facilitate the growth of Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption and scaling of the market for EV charging equipment to advance Rhode Island's zero emission vehicles and greenhouse gas emissions policy goals, (ii) two energy storage demonstration projects, which are on track for timely completion, (iii) a performance incentive for System Efficiency: Annual Megawatt Capacity Savings, which sunset in 2021 and is a tracking and reporting only metric and (iv) several additional metrics for tracking and reporting purposes only. The RIPUC discussed the ET Initiative at an Open Meeting on August 30, 2022, advising RIE to seek RIPUC authorization to continue the ET Initiative and/or to alter any of the targets established in the ASA for Rate Year 5 and beyond. No votes or official rulings were taken; however, based on this feedback, RIE has paused the ET programs in Rate Year 5.

Advanced Metering Functionality (AMF)

In 2021, RIE filed its Updated AMF Business Case and Grid Modernization Plan (GMP) with the RIPUC in accordance with the Amended Settlement Agreement (ASA) approved by the RIPUC in August 2018, and which among other things, sought approval to deploy smart meters throughout the service territory. After PPL completed the acquisition of RIE, RIE filed a new AMF Business Case with the RIPUC in 2022, consisting of a detailed proposal for full-scale deployment of AMF across its electric service territory.

On September 27, 2023, the RIPUC unanimously approved RIE to deploy an AMF-based metering system for the electric distribution business. RIE is authorized to seek recovery of the approved capital investment through the ISR process with an overall multi-year cap on recovery at approximately $153 million, subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations with respect to the potential offsets and recoverability of certain costs. RIE is required to continue spending even if above the recovery cap, until it achieves the functionalities outlined in the AMF Business Case. RIE filed with the RIPUC (i) an updated electric Service Quality Plan on December 27, 2023 for RIPUC approval and (ii) additional compliance tariff provisions regarding recovery and updated cost schedules to reflect the RIPUC's decision on December 22, 2023 for RIPUC approval. RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

Grid Modernization

RIE filed a new GMP with the RIPUC on December 30, 2022. The new GMP filing consists of a holistic suite of grid modernization investments that will provide RIE with the tools and capability to manage the electric distribution system more granularly considering a range of distributed energy resources adoption levels, accelerated by Rhode Island's climate mandates, while at the same time maintaining a safe and reliable electric distribution system. The GMP is an informational guidance document that supports the grid modernization investments to be proposed in future electric ISR plans. Consequently, RIE did not request approval from the RIPUC for any specific investments or seek cost recovery as part of the GMP; rather, RIE requested the RIPUC issues an order affirming RIE's compliance with its obligation to file a GMP that meets the requirements of the ASA. The RIPUC held a status conference on October 26, 2023, to discuss the scope of the RIPUC’s review of the GMP and its potential impact future electric ISR plans.

Petition for Deferral of Credit Card Fees

On January 31, 2024, RIE filed a petition to request approval to recognize regulatory assets related to the credit card, debit card, and related fees (Electronic Transaction Fees) that RIE has waived and will continue to waive on a going forward basis


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pursuant to the RIPUC orders in RIPUC Docket No. 5022 related to COVID-19 impacts. If approved, RIE plans to include a proposal as part of its next base distribution rate case for the amortization/recovery of the regulatory assets and to include future Electronic Transaction Fees in base distribution rates. RIE simultaneously filed a Notice of Withdrawal of its April 2021 petition to create regulatory assets for COVID-19 related bad debt expense and the lost revenue from unassessed late payment charges pending in Docket No. 5154. RIE is continuing to evaluate these other COVID-19 related costs and intends to reserve its rights to file for recovery of these costs in the future. RIE cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

FY 2023 Gas Infrastructure, Safety and Reliability (ISR) Plan

At an Open Meeting on March 29, 2022, the RIPUC conditionally approved RIE's FY 2023 Gas ISR Plan and associated revenue requirement, subject to further review regarding RIE’s Proactive Main Replacement Program and its decision to reconstruct and purchase heating and pressure regulation equipment located at RIE’s Wampanoag and Tiverton take stations. The RIPUC held an Open Meeting on September 13, 2022, and issued its Order on November 18. 2022 regarding the Proactive Main Replacement Program and made the following rulings: (i) commencing with the Gas ISR plan to be filed in this calendar year 2022 (prospectively), new main constructed to replace leak prone pipe will not be considered used and useful, and therefore not eligible for rate base treatment, until the related old main is abandoned; and (ii) approved the proactive main replacement revenue requirement set forth in the FY 2023 Gas ISR plan. Also, the RIPUC directed RIE to submit prefiled testimony on the issue of its replacement of heating and pressure regulation facilities at the Wampanoag and Tiverton take stations and to address three issues, specifically: (i) a cost-benefit analysis arising from RIE's decision to take ownership of the reconstructed take station equipment; (ii) the potential that the benefits derived from the reconstruction and ownership transfer of the take station equipment will not be realized due to the future use of hydrogen or abandonment of the gas system; and (iii) the depreciation and accounting treatment of the reconstructed take station equipment. RIE filed this testimony with the RIPUC on May 16, 2022, and the RIPUC has not taken any action to date on this issue. The RIPUC continues to consider the appropriate rate recovery treatment of projects not covered by an ISR plan for the applicable fiscal year, and additional definitions and procedures that may be implemented related to the ISR plan process. A new docket has been opened to address this matter with the goal of implementing changes for the FY 2025 ISR Plan. RIE filed its proposed gas ISR plan budgetary and reconciliation framework with its FY 2025 ISR Plan filing on December 22, 2023. RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

FY 2024 Gas ISR Plan

On December 23, 2022, RIE filed its FY 2024 Gas ISR Plan with the RIPUC. At its January 20, 2023 Open Meeting, the RIPUC directed RIE to file supplemental budget and rate schedules to reflect an April 1 2015,to March 31 fiscal year. The supplemental budget that was filed with the RIIO-ED1 eight-year price control period commencedRIPUC on January 27, 2023 includes $187 million of capital investment spend. The supplemental rate schedules were filed on February 3, 2023. RIE and the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers reached an agreement on an approximately $171 million capital investment spending plan, and RIE filed a second supplemental budget on March 13, 2023. The RIPUC held a hearing on the plan on March 14, 2023. At an Open Meeting on March 29, 2023, the RIPUC approved the plan with an adjustment to the budget for WPD's four DNOs.the Proactive Main Replacement Program category resulting in a total approved FY 2024 Gas ISR Plan of $163 million for capital investment spend. On March 31, 2023, the RIPUC approved RIE's March 30, 2023 compliance filing for rates effective April 1, 2023. The RIPUC continues to consider the appropriate rate recovery treatment of projects not covered by an ISR plan for the applicable fiscal year, and additional definitions and procedures that may be implemented related to the ISR plan review and approval process starting with the FY 2025 ISR Plan. A new docket has been opened to address this matter with the goal of implementing changes for the FY 2025 ISR Plan. RIE filed its proposed gas ISR plan budgetary and reconciliation framework with its FY 2025 ISR Plan filing on December 22, 2023.RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.


FY 2025 Gas ISR Plan

On December 22, 2023, RIE filed its FY 2025 Gas ISR Plan with the RIPUC with a budget that includes $185 million of capital investment spend and up to $11 million of contingency plan spend in light of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s potential enactment of regulations during FY 2025 that would significantly alter RIE’s leak detection and repair obligations under federal regulations. RIE also filed its proposed gas ISR plan budgetary and reconciliation framework with its FY 2025 ISR Plan. The RIPUC has scheduled hearings on March 7 and 11, 2024, and is scheduled to rule on the plan by the end of March 2024. RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.



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FY 2024 Electric ISR Plan

On December 23, 2022, RIE filed its FY 2024 Electric ISR Plan with the RIPUC. At its January 20, 2023 Open Meeting, the RIPUC directed RIE to file supplemental budget and rate schedules to reflect an April 1 to March 31 fiscal year. The supplemental budget filed with the RIPUC on January 27, 2023 includes $176 million of capital investment spend, $14 million of vegetation operations and management (O&M) spend and $3 million of Other O&M spend. The supplemental rate schedules were filed on February 3, 2023. RIE filed second supplemental budget schedules on March 21, 2023 which includes $166 million of capital investment spend, $14 million of vegetation management O&M spend and $1 million of Other O&M spend. The RIPUC held hearings in March 2023, and on March 29, 2023, approved the plan with modifications to the proposed capital investment spend, resulting in a total approved FY 2024 Electric ISR Plan of $112 million for capital investment spend, $14 million for vegetation management O&M spend, and $1 million for Other O&M spend.

On March 31, 2023, the RIPUC approved RIE's March 30, 2023 compliance filing for rates effective April 1, 2023. The RIPUC continues to consider the appropriate rate recovery treatment of projects not covered by an ISR plan for the applicable fiscal year, and additional definitions and procedures that may be implemented related to the ISR plan review and approval process. A new docket has been opened to address this matter with the goal of implementing changes for the FY 2025 ISR Plan. RIE filed its proposed electric ISR plan budgetary and reconciliation framework with its FY 2025 ISR Plan filing on December 21, 2023.RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

FY 2025 Electric ISR Plan

On December 21, 2023, RIE filed its FY 2025 Electric ISR Plan with the RIPUC with a budget that includes $141 million of capital investment spend, $13 million of vegetation O&M spend and $1 million of Other O&M spend. RIE also filed its proposed electric ISR plan budgetary and reconciliation framework with its FY 2025 ISR Plan. The RIPUC has scheduled hearings on March 13 and 14, 2024, and is scheduled to rule on the plan by the end of March 2024. RIE cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

Kentucky Activities(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)


Kentucky ActivitiesCPCN and SB 4 Application

Rate Case Proceedings

In November 2016, LG&E and KU filed requests with the KPSC for increases in annual base electricity and gas rates. LG&E's and KU's applications included requests for CPCNs for implementing an Advanced Metering System program and a Distribution Automation program.

In April and May 2017, LG&E and KU, along with all intervening parties to the proceeding, filed with the KPSC, stipulation and recommendation agreements (stipulations) resolving all issues with the parties. Among other things, the proposed stipulations provided for increases in annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E base electricity rates of $59 million, LG&E base gas rates of $8 million and KU base electricity rates of $55 million, reflecting a return on equity of 9.75%, the withdrawal of LG&E's and KU's request for a CPCN for the Advanced Metering System and other changes to the revenue requirements, which dealt primarily with the timing of cost recovery, including depreciation rates.

In June 2017, the KPSC issued orders approving, with certain modifications, the proposed stipulations filed in April and May 2017. The orders modified the stipulations to provide for increases in annual revenue requirements associated with LG&E base electricity rates of $57 million, LG&E base gas rates of $7 million, KU base electricity rates of $52 million and incorporated an authorized return on equity of 9.7%. Consistent with the stipulations, the orders approved LG&E's and KU's request for implementing a Distribution Automation program and their withdrawal of a request for a CPCN for the Advanced Metering System program. The orders also approved new depreciation rates for LG&E and KU that resulted in higher depreciation of approximately $15 million ($4 million for LG&E and $11 million for KU) in 2017, exclusive of net additions to PP&E. The orders resulted in base electricity and gas rate increases of 5.2% and 2.1% at LG&E and a base electricity rate increase of 3.2% at KU. The new base rates and all elements of the orders became effective July 1, 2017. On June 23, 2017, the KPSC issued orders establishing an authorized return on equity of 9.7% for all of LG&E's and KU's existing approved ECR plans and projects, replacing the prior authorized return on equity levels of 9.8% for CCR projects and 10% for all other ECR approved projects, effective with bills issued in August 2017. The annual impact of the new authorized return for ECR projects is not expected to be significant.

CPCN Filing


On January 10, 2018,December 15, 2022, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC for a CPCN for the construction and purchase of various generating facilities in conjunction with the retirement of four existing coal-fired generation units and three small gas-fired units. On March 24, 2023, Kentucky Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) went into effect, which requires KPSC approval of the retirement of fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in the state. On May 10, 2023, LG&E and KU filed an application with the KPSC seeking approval of the retirement of seven fossil fuel-fired generating units as required by SB 4. On May 16, 2023, the KPSC entered an Order consolidating the SB 4 filing proceeding into the CPCN case.

On November 6, 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving LG&E’s and KU’s requests (i) to construct a 640 MW net summer rating NGCC combustion turbine at LG&E's Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County, Kentucky, (ii) to construct a 120 MWac solar photovoltaic electric generating facility in Mercer County, Kentucky, (iii) to acquire a 120 MWac solar facility to be built by a third-party solar developer in Marion County, Kentucky and (iv) to construct a 125 MW, 4-hour battery energy storage system facility at KU's E.W. Brown Generating Station. The KPSC denied the request to construct a 621 MW net summer rating NGCC combustion turbine at KU's E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County, Kentucky at this time, based on the finding that the construction of this unit should be deferred with the construction date beginning on a date that provides for an in-service date in 2030. The order also authorized LG&E's and KU's entry into the four solar PPAs, subject to certain conditions, but deferred for future proceedings specific decisions on cost recovery treatment or mechanisms. Further, the order approved the new, adjusted or expanded energy efficiency programs contained in the requested 2024-2030 DSM plan.

The KPSC order included approval of the requested retirements of two existing coal-fired generation units at LG&E's Mill Creek Unit 1 (300 MW) and 2 (297 MW) in 2024 and 2027, subject to certain conditions, and three small gas-fired units. The order denied approval of the retirement of KU's E.W. Brown 3 Unit (412 MW) and Ghent Unit 2 (486 MW) in 2028 at this time, citing the need for additional clarity regarding environmental compliance regulations.

The new NGCC facility will be jointly owned by LG&E (31%) and KU (69%) and the solar units will be jointly owned by LG&E (37%) and KU (63%), the battery storage unit will be owned by LG&E, and the proposed PPA transactions and DSM programs will be entered into or conducted jointly by LG&E and KU, consistent with LG&E and KU's shared dispatch, cost allocation, tariff or other frameworks.



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The order approved the requested AFUDC accounting treatment for associated financing costs, each as relating to the NGCC, solar and battery facilities to be constructed and owned by LG&E and KU. With respect to generating unit retirements that were approved by the KPSC, and separate from the order, LG&E and KU anticipate the recovery of associated costs, including the remaining net book value, for these units through the RAR or other rate mechanisms. The remaining net book values of LG&E’s Mill Creek 1 and 2 generating units were approximately $95 million and $244 million at December 31, 2023 and LG&E is continuing to depreciate these units using the current approved rates through their retirement dates in 2024 and 2027. LG&E expects to reclassify the net book value remaining at retirement, which is expected to total approximately $83 million for Mill Creek Unit 1 and $160 million for Mill Creek Unit 2, to a regulatory asset to be amortized over a period of ten years in accordance with the RAR.

Kentucky March 2023 Storm

On March 3, 2023, LG&E and KU experienced significant windstorm activity in their service territories, resulting in substantial damage to certain of LG&E's and KU's assets with total costs incurred through December 31, 2023 of $74 million ($33 million at LG&E and $41 million at KU). On March 17, 2023, LG&E and KU submitted a filing with the KPSC requesting regulatory asset treatment of the extraordinary operations and maintenance expenses portion of the costs incurred related to the windstorm. On April 5, 2023, the KPSC issued an order approving the request for accounting purposes, noting that approval for implementing Advanced Metering Systems across their Kentucky service territories, including gas operations forrecovery would be determined in LG&E. The full deployment is expected to be completed in 2021 with estimated capital costs&E’s and KU’s next base rate cases. As of $155 million and $104 million for KU andDecember 31, 2023, LG&E electric service and $62 million for LG&E gas service. The full Advanced Metering Systems deployment will also result in incremental operation and maintenance costs duringKU recorded regulatory assets related to the deployment phasestorm of $17$8 million and $11 million for KU and LG&E electric service and $3 million for LG&E gas service.million.


TCJA Impact onKPSC Investigation Related to Winter Storm Elliott

On December 22, 2023, the KPSC initiated an investigation into the practices of LG&E and KU Rates

Onregarding the provision of electric service from December 21, 2017, Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. submitted23, 2022 through December 25, 2022, during a complaint withperiod of extreme temperatures during Winter Storm Elliott. The investigation is the KPSC againstresult of LG&E's and KU's need to implement brief service interruptions to approximately 55,000 customers during this period. The purpose of the investigation is to supplement discovery and examination already completed through LG&E's and KU's CPCN proceedings, a legislative hearing completed in February 2023 and reports completed by the NERC and the FERC related to the issue. Additionally, the investigation will evaluate LG&E's and KU's actions taken, or planned to be taken, since Winter Storm Elliott that affect their ability to provide service during periods of variable weather and power system stress. LG&E and KU as well as other utility companies in Kentucky, alleging that their respective rates would no longer be fair, justbelieve actions taken during the period under question were necessary and reasonable following the enactment of the TCJA reducing the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The complaint requested the KPSC to issue an order requiring LG&E and KU to begin deferring, as of January 1, 2018, the revenue requirement effect of all income tax expense savings resulting from the federal corporate income tax reduction, including the amortization of excess deferred income taxes by recording those savings in a regulatory liability account and establishing a process by which the federal corporate income tax savings will be passed back to customers.


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On December 27, 2017, as a result of the complaint, the KPSC ordered LG&E and KU to satisfy or address the complaint and commence recording regulatory liabilities to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate to 21% and the associated savings in excess deferred taxes on an interim basis until utility rates are adjusted to reflect the federal tax savings.

On January 8, 2018, LG&E and KU responded to the complaint, denying certain claims in the complaint but concurring that the TCJA will result in savings for their customers. LG&E and KUappropriate. Several parties have stated in their responses that the companies have recorded regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate and the associated savings in excess deferred taxes and will make changes to their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms to begin providing the applicable savings to customers. LG&E and KU also offered to establish a new bill credit mechanism effective with the April 2018 billing cycle to begin distributing the tax savings associated with base rates to customers.

On January 29, 2018, LG&E and KU reached a settlement agreement to commence returning savings related to the TCJA to their customers. The savings will be distributed through their ECR, DSM and LG&E's GLT rate mechanisms beginning in March 2018 and through a new bill credit mechanism from April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019. The estimated impact of the rate reduction represents approximately $91 million in KU electricity revenues, $69 million in LG&E electricity revenues and $17 million in LG&E gas revenuesbeen granted intervenor status for the period January 2018proceeding and discovery is currently scheduled to continue through April 2019. Ongoing tax savings are expected to also be addressed in LG&E's and KU's next Kentucky base rate case. LG&E and KU have indicated their intent to file an application for base rate changes during 2018 to be effective during spring 2019. The settlement agreement is subject to review and approval by the KPSC. An order in the proceeding may occur during the first quarter of 2018.

Additionally, on January 8, 2018, the VSCC ordered KU, as well as other utilities in Virginia, to accrue regulatory liabilities reflecting the Virginia jurisdictional revenue requirement impacts of the reduced federal corporate tax rate.

The FERC has not issued any guidance on the effect on rates of the TCJA.

March 15, 2024. LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

(LKEthis matter, and LG&E)

Gas Franchise
LG&E’s gas franchise agreement foran estimate of the Louisville/Jefferson County service area expired in March 2016. In August 2016,impact, if any, cannot be determined, but LG&E and Louisville/Jefferson County entered into a revised franchise agreement with a five-year term (with renewal options). The franchise fee may be modified at Louisville/Jefferson County's election upon 60 days' notice. However, any franchise fee is capped at 3% of gross receipts for natural gas service within the franchise area. The agreement further provides that if the KPSC determines that the franchise fee should be recovered from LG&E's customers, the franchise fee shall revert to zero. In August 2016, LG&E filed an application in a KPSC proceeding to review and rule upon the recoverability of the franchise fee.

In August 2016, Louisville/Jefferson County submitted a motion to dismiss the proceeding filed by LG&E and, in November 2016, filed an amended complaint against LG&E relating to these issues. LG&E submitted KPSC filings to respond to, request dismissal of and consolidate certain claims or aspects of the proceedings. In January 2017, the KPSC issued an order denying Louisville/Jefferson County's motion to dismiss, consolidating the matter with LG&E's filed application and establishing a procedural schedule for the case. In September 2017, oral arguments were heard by the KPSC and a final order is expected in 2018. Until the KPSC issues a final order in this proceeding, LG&E cannot predict the ultimate outcome ofKU do not believe this matter but does not anticipate that it will have a material effectsignificant impact on itstheir operations or financial condition or results of operation. LG&E continues to provide gas service to customers in this franchise area at existing rates, but without collecting or remitting a franchise fee.condition.


Pennsylvania Activities(PPL and PPL Electric)


Pennsylvania ActivitiesPAPUC investigation into billing issues


On January 31, 2023, the PAPUC initiated an investigation focused on billing issues related to estimated, irregular bills and customer service concerns following customer complaints, which for many customers were driven by increased prices for electricity supply. Certain bills issued during the time period of December 20, 2022 through January 9, 2023 were estimated due to a technical issue that prevented PPL Electric from providing actual collected meter data to customer facing and other internal systems. Customers also reported difficulties accessing PPL Electric's website and contacting the customer service call center. The PAPUC’s Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) has directed PPL Electric to respond to certain inquiries and document requests. PPL Electric submitted its responses to the information request and cooperated fully with the investigation. PPL Electric reached a Settlement Agreement with I&E on November 21, 2023. In the settlement, PPL Electric agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1 million, make certain remedial improvements to its billing systems and processes, and agree to not seek recovery for extraordinary costs incurred in responding to the billing event. On November 21, 2023, PPL Electric and I&E submitted a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement to the PAPUC. On January 18, 2024, the PAPUC issued an Order requesting public comment prior to the Commission entering a Final Order on the petition. Comments are due on February 28, 2024. PPL Electric is waiting for the PAPUC to issue a Final Order on the Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement. Approval is pending until the Commission has provided its final decision. PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this matter.



134

Act 129

Act 129 requires Pennsylvania Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) to meet, by specified dates, specified goals for reduction in customer electricity usage and peak demand. EDCs not meeting the requirements of Act 129 are subject to significant penalties. In November 2015, PPL Electric filed with the PUCPAPUC its Act 129 Phase IIIIV Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan on November 30, 2020, for the five-year period starting June 1, 2016 through2021 and ending on May 31, 2021. In June 2016, the PUC approved2026. PPL Electric's Phase III


174


Plan, allowing PPL Electric to implement its energy efficiency and demand response programs and recover, through theIV Act 129 compliance rider,Plan was approved by the $313 million cost of the programs over the five-year period June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2021.PAPUC at its March 25, 2021, public meeting.


Act 129 also requires Default Service ProvidersEDCs to act as a default service provider (DSP) to provide, which provides electricity generation supply service to customers pursuant to a PUC-approvedPAPUC-approved default service procurement plan through auctions, requests for proposal and bilateral contracts at the sole discretion of the DSP. PPL Electric is a DSP. Act 129 requires a mix of spot market purchases, short-term contracts and long-term contracts (4 to 20 years), with long-term contracts limited to 25% of load unless otherwise approved by the PUC.plan. A DSP is able to recover the costs associated with its default service procurement plan.


TCJA Impact on PPL Electric Rates(PPL and PPL Electric)

The PUC issued a Secretarial Letter on February 12, 2018 regarding the TCJA. The Commission is requesting comments from interested parties addressing whether the Commission should adjust current customer rates to reflect the reduced federal income tax expense and, if so, the appropriate negative surcharge or other methodology that would permit immediate adjustment to consumer rates, and whether the surcharge or other said methodology should provide that any refunds to customers due to reduced taxes be effective as of January 1, 2018. In addition, the Secretarial Letter requests certain Pennsylvania regulated utilities, including PPL Electric, to provide certain data related to the effect of the TCJA on PPL Electric’s income tax expense and rate base including whether any of the potential tax savings from the reduced federal corporate tax rate can be used for purposes other than to reduce customer rates. PPL Electric’s responses are due to the PUC not later than March 9, 2018.

The FERC has not issued any guidance on the effect on rates of the TCJA.

Federal Matters


FERC FormulaTransmission Rate Filing (PPL, LG&E and KU)


In April 2017, PPL Electric2018, LG&E and KU applied to the FERC requesting elimination of certain on-going waivers and credits to a sub-set of transmission customers relating to the 1998 merger of LG&E's and KU's parent entities and the 2006 withdrawal of LG&E and KU from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), a regional transmission operator and energy market. The application sought termination of LG&E's and KU's commitment to provide certain Kentucky municipalities mitigation for certain horizontal market power concerns arising out of the 1998 LG&E and KU merger and 2006 MISO withdrawal. The amounts at issue are generally waivers or credits granted to a limited number of Kentucky municipalities for either certain LG&E and KU or MISO transmission charges incurred for transmission service received. In 2019, the FERC granted LG&E's and KU's request to remove the ongoing credits, conditioned upon the implementation by LG&E and KU of a transition mechanism for certain existing power supply arrangements, which was subsequently filed, modified, and approved by the FERC in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, LG&E and KU and other parties filed appeals with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the FERC's orders on the elimination of the mitigation and required transition mechanism. In August 2022, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order remanding the proceedings back to the FERC. On May 18, 2023, the FERC issued an order on remand reversing its annual transmission formula rate update2019 decision and requiring LG&E and KU to refund credits previously withheld, including under such transition mechanism. LG&E and KU filed a petition for review of the FERC's May 18, 2023 order with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and provided refunds in accordance with the FERC reflectingorder on December 1, 2023. The FERC issued an order on LG&E and KU’s compliance filing on November 16, 2023, and LG&E and KU filed a revised revenue requirement.petition for review of this November 16 order on February 14, 2024. The filing establishesproceedings at the revenue requirement usedD.C. Circuit Court of Appeals were held on abeyance until February 15, 2024, but a motion to sethold the proceedings on abeyance for an additional 60 days was filed on February 15, 2024, to allow the FERC time to substantively address LG&E and KU’s request for rehearing of the November 16 order. LG&E and KU cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the proceedings or any other post decision process but do not expect the annual impact to have a material effect on their operations or financial condition. LG&E and KU currently receive recovery of certain waivers and credits primarily through base rates increases, provided, however, that took effectincreases associated with the FERC's May 18, 2023 order are expected to be subject to future rate proceedings.

Recovery of Transmission Costs (PPL)

Until December 2022, RIE's transmission facilities were operated in June 2017. combination with the transmission facilities of National Grid's New England affiliates, Massachusetts Electric Company (MECO) and New England Power (NEP), as a single integrated system with NEP designated as the combined operator. As of January 1, 2023, RIE operates its own transmission facilities. NE-ISO allocates RIE's costs among transmission customers in New England, in accordance with the ISO Open Access Transmission Tariff (ISO-NE OATT). According to the FERC orders, RIE is compensated for its actual monthly transmission costs, with its authorized maximum ROE of 11.74% on its transmission assets.

The time periodROE for any challengestransmission rates under the ISO-NE OATT is the subject of four complaints that are pending before the FERC. On October 16, 2014, the FERC issued an order on the first complaint, Opinion No. 531-A, resetting the base ROE applicable to transmission assets under the ISO-NE OATT from 11.14% to 10.57% effective as of October 16, 2014 and establishing a maximum ROE of 11.74%. On April 14, 2017, this order was vacated and remanded by the D. C. Circuit Court of Appeals (Court of Appeals). After the remand, the FERC issued an order on October 16, 2018 applicable to all four pending cases where it proposed a new base ROE methodology that, with subsequent input and support from the New England Transmission Owners (NETO), yielded a base ROE of 10.41%. Subsequent to the FERC's October 2018 order in the New England Transmission Owners cases, the FERC further refined its ROE methodology in another proceeding and has applied that refined methodology to transmission owners’ ROEs in other jurisdictions, and the NETOs filed further information in the New England matters to distinguish their case. Those determinations in other jurisdictions have recently been vacated and remanded back to the FERC for further proceedings by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The proceeding and the final base rate ROE determination in the


135

New England matters remain open, pending a final order from the FERC. PPL Electric's annual update has expired. No formal challenges were submitted.cannot predict the outcome of this matter, and an estimate of the impact cannot be determined.


Other


Purchase of Receivables Program


(PPL and PPL Electric)

In accordance with a PUC-approvedPAPUC-approved purchase of accounts receivable program, PPL Electric purchases certain accounts receivable from alternative electricity suppliers at a discount, which reflects a provision for uncollectible accounts. The alternative electricity suppliers have no continuing involvement or interest in the purchased accounts receivable. Accounts receivable that are acquired are initially recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. During 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, PPL Electric purchased $1.5 billion, $1.3 billion $1.4 billion and $1.3$1.2 billion of accounts receivable from unaffiliated third parties. During 2015, PPL Electric purchased $146 millionalternative suppliers.

(PPL)

In 2021 and 2022, the RIPUC approved various components of a Purchase of Receivables Program (POR) in Rhode Island for effect on April 1, 2022. Municipal aggregators and non-regulated power producers (collectively, Competitive Suppliers) are eligible to participate in accordance with RIE's approved electric tariffs for municipal aggregation and non-regulated power producers. Under the POR program, RIE will purchase the Competitive Suppliers' accounts receivablereceivables, including existing receivables, at discounted rates, regardless of whether RIE has collected the owed monies from PPL EnergyPlus. PPL Electric's purchases from PPL EnergyPluscustomers. The program is intended to make RIE whole through the implementation of a discount rate or Standard Complete Bill Percentage (SCBP) paid by Competitive Suppliers. RIE calculates the SCBP for 2015 included purchases through May 31, 2015, which iseach customer class and files the period during which PPL Electriccalculations with the RIPUC for review and PPL EnergyPlus were affiliated entities. Asapproval by February 15 of each year. At an Open Meeting on March 29, 2023, the RIPUC approved the SCBP for effect beginning on April 1, 2023 for a result of the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and creation of Talen Energy, PPL EnergyPlus (renamed Talen Energy Marketing) is no longer an affiliate of PPL Electric. PPL Electric's purchases from Talen Energy Marketing subsequent to May 31, 2015 are included as purchases from unaffiliated third parties.one-year period.


7.8. Financing Activities

Credit Arrangements and Short-term Debt

(All Registrants)

The Registrants maintain credit facilities to enhance liquidity, provide credit support and provide a backstop to commercial paper programs. For reporting purposes, on a consolidated basis, the credit facilities and commercial paper programs of PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU also apply to PPL and the credit facilities and commercial paper programs of LG&E and KU also apply to LKE.PPL. The amounts listed in the borrowed column below are recorded as "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheets except for


175


borrowings under PPL Electric's term loan agreement due March 2024 and borrowings under LG&E's Term Loan Facilityand KU's term loan agreements due July 2024, which are recorded aswere reflected in "Long-term debt" on the Balance Sheets.at December 31, 2022 and were repaid in 2023. The following credit facilities were in place at:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Expiration
Date
 Capacity Borrowed 
Letters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued
 Unused Capacity Borrowed 
Letters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued
PPL   
  
  
  
  
  
U.K.   
  
  
  
  
  
WPD plc   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (c)Jan. 2022 £210
 £148
 £
 £60
 £160
 £
WPD (South West)   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (c)July 2021 245
 
 
 245
 110
 
WPD (East Midlands)   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (c)July 2021 300
 180
 
 120
 9
 
WPD (West Midlands)   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (c)July 2021 300
 120
 
 180
 
 
Uncommitted Credit Facilities  100
 
 4
 96
 60
 4
Total U.K. Credit Facilities (b)  £1,155
 £448
 £4
 £701
 £339
 £4
U.S.   
  
  
  
  
  
PPL Capital Funding   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Jan. 2022 $950
 $
 $230
 $720
 $
 $20
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Nov. 2018 300
 
 
 300
 
 
Bilateral Credit Facility (c) (d)Mar. 2018 150
 
 18
 132
 
 17
Total PPL Capital Funding Credit Facilities  $1,400
 $
 $248
 $1,152
 $
 $37
PPL Electric   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Jan. 2022 $650
 $
 $1
 $649
 $
 $296
LKE   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Oct. 2018 $75
 $
 $
 $75
 $
 $
LG&E   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Jan. 2022 $500
 $
 $199
 $301
 $
 $169
Term Loan Credit Facility (c) (e)Oct. 2019 200
 100
 
 100
 
 
Total LG&E Credit Facilities  $700
 $100
 $199
 $401
 $
 $169
KU   
  
  
  
  
  
Syndicated Credit Facility (c) (d)Jan. 2022 $400
 $
 $45
 $355
 $
 $16
Letter of Credit Facility (c) (d) (f)Oct. 2020 198
 
 198
 
 
 198
Total KU Credit Facilities  $598
 $
 $243
 $355
 $
 $214
(a)The facilities contain financial covenants to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and total net debt not in excess of 85% of its RAV, calculated in accordance with the credit facility.
(b)The WPD plc amounts borrowed at December 31, 2017 and 2016 included USD-denominated borrowings of $200 million for both periods, which bore interest at 2.17% and 1.43%. The unused capacity reflects the amount borrowed in GBP of £150 million as of the date borrowed. The WPD (East Midlands) amount borrowed at December 31, 2017 was a GBP-denominated borrowing, which equated to $244 million and bore interest at 0.89%. The WPD (West Midlands) amount borrowed at December 31, 2017 was a GBP-denominated borrowing, which equated to $162 million and bore interest at 0.89%. At December 31, 2017, the unused capacity under the U.K. credit facilities was approximately $949 million.
(c)Each company pays customary fees under its respective facility and borrowings generally bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus an applicable margin.
(d)The facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization not to exceed 70% for PPL Capital Funding, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, as calculated in accordance with the facilities and other customary covenants. Additionally, as it relates to the syndicated and bilateral credit facilities and subject to certain conditions, PPL Capital Funding may request that the capacity of its facilities expiring in November 2018 and March 2018 be increased by up to $30 million, LG&E and KU each may request up to a $100 million increase in its facility's capacity and LKE may request up to a $25 million increase in its facility's capacity.
(e)LG&E entered into a term loan credit agreement in October 2017 whereby it may borrow up to $200 million. The outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2017 bore interest at a rate of 2.06%.
(f)KU's letter of credit facility agreement allows for certain payments under the letter of credit facility to be converted to loans rather than requiring immediate payment.


 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Expiration
Date
CapacityBorrowedLetters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued (d)
Unused CapacityBorrowedLetters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued (d)
PPL       
PPL Capital Funding       
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (b) (c)Dec 2027$1,250 $— $390 $860 $— $561 
Bilateral Credit Facility (a) (b)Mar 2024100 — — 100 — — 
Bilateral Credit Facility (a) (b)Mar 2024100 — 13 87 — 58 
Total PPL Capital Funding Credit Facilities$1,450 $— $403 $1,047 $— $619 
PPL Electric       
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (b)Dec 2027650 — 511 139 — 146 
Term Loan Credit Facility (a) (b)Mar 2024— — — — 250 — 
Total PPL Electric Credit Facilities$650 $— $511 $139 $250 $146 


176
136


 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Expiration
Date
CapacityBorrowedLetters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued (d)
Unused CapacityBorrowedLetters of
Credit
and
Commercial
Paper
Issued (d)
LG&E       
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (b)Dec 2027500 — — 500 — 180 
Term Loan Credit Facility (a) (b)Jul 2024— — — — 300 — 
Total LG&E Credit Facilities$500 $— $— $500 $300 $180 
KU       
Syndicated Credit Facility (a) (b)Dec 2027400 — 93 307 — 101 
Term Loan Credit Facility (a) (b)Jul 2024— — — — 300 — 
Total KU Credit Facilities $400 $— $93 $307 $300 $101 
In January 2018, LG&E borrowed the remaining $100 million available
(a)Each company pays customary fees under its $200respective facility and borrowings generally bear interest at applicable secured overnight financing rates or base rates, plus an applicable margin.
(b)The facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization not to exceed 70% for PPL Capital Funding, RIE, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, as calculated in accordance with the facilities and other customary covenants. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, PPL Capital Funding may request that the capacity of one of its bilateral credit facilities expiring in March 2024 be increased by up to $30 million term loan facility. The proceeds were used to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes.

In January 2018, the expiration dates for the PPL Capital Funding, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU may each request up to a $250 million increase in its syndicated credit facilitiesfacility's capacity. Participation in any such increase is at the sole discretion of each lender.
(c)Included a $250 million borrowing sublimit for RIE and a $1 billion sublimit for PPL Capital Funding at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, PPL Capital Funding had $365 million commercial paper outstanding and RIE had $25 million of commercial paper outstanding. RIE's obligations under the facility are not guaranteed by PPL. On January 5, 2024, the borrowing sublimits under the facility were reallocated to $400 million at RIE and $850 million at PPL Capital Funding.
(d)Commercial paper issued reflects the undiscounted face value of the issuance.

(PPL)

In March 2023, RIE was added as an authorized borrower under the PPL Capital Funding syndicated credit facility. At December 31, 2023, RIE’s borrowing limit under the facility was set at $250 million and PPL Capital Funding's borrowing limit was set at $1 billion. At December 31, 2023, PPL Capital Funding had $365 million commercial paper outstanding and RIE had $25 million of commercial paper outstanding. On January 5, 2024, the borrowing sublimits under the facility were reset to $400 million at RIE and $850 million at PPL Capital Funding.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

In March 2023, PPL Electric repaid its $250 million term loan expiring in January 2022 were extended to January 2023.March 2024 and terminated the facility.


(PPL PPL Electric,and LG&E)

In March 2023, LG&E repaid its $300 million term loan expiring in July 2024 and terminated the facility.

(PPL and KU)

In March 2023, KU repaid its $300 million term loan expiring in July 2024 and terminated the facility.

(All Registrants)

The Registrants maintain commercial paper programs to provide an additional financing source to fund short-term liquidity needs, as necessary.needs. Commercial paper issuances, included in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheets, are supported by the respective Registrant's Syndicated Credit Facility.credit facilities. The following commercial paper programs were in place at:



137

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Weighted -
Average
Interest Rate
 Capacity Commercial
Paper
Issuances
 Unused
Capacity
 Weighted -
Average
Interest Rate
 Commercial
Paper
Issuances
PPL Capital Funding1.64% $1,000
 $230
 $770
 1.10% $20
Weighted -
Average
Interest Rate
Weighted -
Average
Interest Rate
CapacityCommercial
Paper
Issuances (c)
Unused
Capacity
Weighted -
Average
Interest Rate
Commercial
Paper
Issuances (c)
PPL Capital Funding (a)
RIE (b)
PPL Electric
PPL Electric
PPL Electric
 650
 
 650
 1.05% 295
LG&E1.83% 350
 199
 151
 0.94% 169
KU1.97% 350
 45
 305
 0.87% 16
Total  $2,350
 $474
 $1,876
 
 $500

(a)PPL Capital Funding's obligations are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by PPL.
(b)Issuances under the PPL Capital Funding and RIE commercial paper programs are supported by the PPL Capital Funding syndicated credit facility, which has a total capacity of $1.25 billion and under which they are both borrowers. PPL Capital Funding’s Commercial paper program is also backed by a separate bilateral credit facility for $100 million. The PPL Capital Funding syndicated credit facility includes a borrowing sublimit for RIE, which at December 31, 2023 was set at $250 million with the remaining $1 billion allocated to PPL Capital Funding. RIE's obligations under the facility are not guaranteed by PPL. The sublimits of each borrower may be decreased or increased at the borrowers’ option up to a prescribed amount such that all borrowings under the syndicated credit facility cannot exceed the size of the credit facility of $1.25 billion. On January 5, 2024, the borrowing sublimits under the facility were reallocated to $400 million at RIE and $850 million at PPL Capital Funding.
(c)Commercial paper issued reflects the undiscounted face value of the issuance.

(PPL)

In June 2023, RIE established a commercial paper program with a capacity of $400 million. This program is supported by PPL Capital Funding's syndicated credit facility, under which RIE is a co-borrower.

(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

See Note 14 for a discussion of intercompany borrowings.

Long-term Debt(All Registrants)

  December 31,
 Weighted-Average
Rate (d)
Maturities (d)20232022
PPL    
Senior Unsecured Notes3.95 %2026 - 2047$3,066 $3,066 
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (b) (c)4.35 %2025 - 205310,229 8,957 
Exchangeable Senior Unsecured Notes2.88 %20281,000 — 
Junior Subordinated Notes8.27 %2067480 480 
Term Loan Credit Facility— 850 
Total Long-term Debt before adjustments  14,775 13,353 
Unamortized premium and (discount), net(55)(32)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(108)(78)
Total Long-term Debt14,612 13,243 
Less current portion of Long-term Debt354 
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent$14,611 $12,889 

     December 31,
 Weighted-Average
Rate (g)
 Maturities (g) 2017 2016
PPL       
U.S.       
Senior Unsecured Notes3.78% 2020 - 2047 $4,575
 $4,075
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (b) (c)3.96% 2018 - 2047 7,314
 6,849
Junior Subordinated Notes5.10% 2067 - 2073 930
 930
Term Loan Credit Facility2.06% 2019 100
 
Total U.S. Long-term Debt    12,919
 11,854
        
U.K.       
Senior Unsecured Notes (d)5.24% 2020 - 2040 6,351
 5,707
Index-linked Senior Unsecured Notes (e)1.56% 2026 - 2056 1,012
 838
Total U.K. Long-term Debt (f)    7,363
 6,545
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments    20,282
 18,399
        
Fair market value adjustments    21
 22
Unamortized premium and (discount), net (e)    14
 20
Unamortized debt issuance costs    (122) (115)
Total Long-term Debt    20,195
 18,326
Less current portion of Long-term Debt    348
 518
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent    $19,847
 $17,808


138

177


  December 31,
 Weighted-Average
Rate (d)
Maturities (d)20232022
PPL Electric    
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (b)4.61 %2027 - 2053$4,649 $4,289 
Term Loan Credit Facility— 250 
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments  4,649 4,539 
Unamortized discount  (42)(22)
Unamortized debt issuance costs  (40)(31)
Total Long-term Debt  4,567 4,486 
Less current portion of Long-term Debt  — 340 
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent  $4,567 $4,146 
LG&E    
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (c)4.02 %2025 - 2054$2,489 $2,024 
Term Loan Credit Facility— 300 
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments  2,489 2,324 
Unamortized discount  (4)(4)
Unamortized debt issuance costs  (16)(13)
Total Long-term Debt  2,469 2,307 
Less current portion of Long-term Debt  — — 
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent  $2,469 $2,307 
KU    
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (c)4.22 %2025 - 2054$3,089 $2,642 
Term Loan Credit Facility— 300 
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments  3,089 2,942 
Unamortized premium
Unamortized discount  (9)(9)
Unamortized debt issuance costs  (21)(18)
Total Long-term Debt  3,064 2,920 
Less current portion of Long-term Debt  — 13 
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent  $3,064 $2,907 

     December 31,
 Weighted-Average
Rate (g)
 Maturities (g) 2017 2016
        
PPL Electric       
Senior Secured Notes/First Mortgage Bonds (a) (b)4.23% 2020 - 2047 $3,339
 $2,864
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments    3,339
 2,864
        
Unamortized discount    (16) (12)
Unamortized debt issuance costs    (25) (21)
Total Long-term Debt    3,298
 2,831
Less current portion of Long-term Debt    
 224
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent    $3,298
 $2,607
        
LKE       
Senior Unsecured Notes3.97% 2020 - 2021 $725
 $725
Term Loan Credit Facility2.06% 2019 100
 
First Mortgage Bonds (a) (c)3.73% 2018 - 2045 3,975
 3,985
Long-term debt to affiliate3.50% 2026 400
 400
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments    5,200
 5,110
        
Fair market value adjustments    
 (1)
Unamortized discount    (14) (15)
Unamortized debt issuance costs    (27) (29)
Total Long-term Debt    5,159
 5,065
Less current portion of Long-term Debt    98
 194
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent    $5,061
 $4,871
        
LG&E       
Term Loan Credit Facility2.06% 2019 $100
 $
First Mortgage Bonds (a) (c)3.48% 2018 - 2045 1,624
 1,634
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments    1,724
 1,634
        
Fair market value adjustments    
 (1)
Unamortized discount    (4) (4)
Unamortized debt issuance costs    (11) (12)
Total Long-term Debt    1,709
 1,617
Less current portion of Long-term Debt    98
 194
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent    $1,611
 $1,423
        
KU       
First Mortgage Bonds (a) (c)3.91% 2019 - 2045 $2,351
 $2,351
Total Long-term Debt Before Adjustments    2,351
 2,351
        
Unamortized discount    (9) (9)
Unamortized debt issuance costs    (14) (15)
Total Long-term Debt    2,328
 2,327
Less current portion of Long-term Debt    
 
Total Long-term Debt, noncurrent    $2,328
 $2,327
(a)Includes PPL Electric's senior secured and first mortgage bonds that are secured by the lien of PPL Electric's 2001 Mortgage Indenture, which covers substantially all of PPL Electric’s tangible distribution properties and certain of its tangible transmission properties located in Pennsylvania, subject to certain exceptions and exclusions. The carrying value of PPL Electric's property, plant and equipment was approximately $12.4 billion and $11.8 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(a)Includes PPL Electric's senior secured and first mortgage bonds that are secured by the lien of PPL Electric's 2001 Mortgage Indenture, which covers substantially all electric distribution plant and certain transmission plant owned by PPL Electric. The carrying value of PPL Electric's property, plant and equipment was approximately $8.5 billion and $7.6 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016.


Includes LG&E's first mortgage bonds that are secured by the lien of the LG&E 2010 Mortgage Indenture which creates a lien, subject to certain exceptions and exclusions, on substantially all of LG&E's real and tangible personal property located in Kentucky and used or to be used in connection


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with the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and the storage and distribution of natural gas. The aggregate carrying value of the property subject to the lien was $4.7$5.9 billion and $4.4$5.8 billion at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

Includes KU's first mortgage bonds that are secured by the lien of the KU 2010 Mortgage Indenture which creates a lien, subject to certain exceptions and exclusions, on substantially all of KU's real and tangible personal property located in Kentucky and used or to be used in connection with the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The aggregate carrying value of the property subject to the lien was $6.0$7.3 billion and $5.8$7.1 billion at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.
(b)Includes PPL Electric's series of senior secured bonds that secure its obligations to make payments with respect to each series of Pollution Control Bonds that were issued by the LCIDA and the PEDFA on behalf of PPL Electric. These senior secured bonds were issued in the same principal amount, contain payment and redemption provisions that correspond to and bear the same interest rate as such Pollution Control Bonds. These senior secured bonds were issued under PPL Electric's 2001 Mortgage Indenture and are secured as noted in (a) above. This amount includes $224 million of which PPL Electric is allowed to convert the interest rate mode on the bonds from time to time to a commercial paper rate, daily rate, weekly rate, or term rate of at least one year and $90 million that may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at par beginning in October 2020, and are subject to mandatory redemption upon determination that the interest rate on the bonds would be included in the holders' gross income for federal tax purposes.
(c)Includes LG&E's and KU's series of first mortgage bonds that were issued to the respective trustees of tax-exempt revenue bonds to secure its respective obligations to make payments with respect to each series of bonds. The first mortgage bonds were issued in the same principal amounts, contain payment and redemption provisions that correspond to and bear the same interest rate as such tax-exempt revenue bonds. These first mortgage bonds were issued under the LG&E 2010 Mortgage Indenture and the KU 2010 Mortgage Indenture and are secured as noted in (a) above. The related tax-exempt revenue bonds were issued by various governmental entities, principally counties in Kentucky, on behalf of LG&E and KU. The related revenue bond documents allow LG&E and KU to convert the interest rate mode on the bonds from time to time to a commercial paper rate, daily rate, weekly rate, term rate of at least one year or, in some cases, an auction rate or a LIBOR index rate.

2022.
(b)Includes PPL Electric's series of senior secured bonds that secure its obligations to make payments with respect to each series of Pollution Control Bonds that were issued by the LCIDA and the PEDFA on behalf of PPL Electric. These senior secured bonds were issued in the same principal amount, contain payment and redemption provisions that correspond to and bear the same interest rate as such Pollution Control Bonds. These senior secured bonds were issued under PPL Electric's 2001 Mortgage Indenture and are secured as noted in (a) above. The tax-exempt revenue bonds are subject to mandatory redemption upon determination that the interest rate on the bonds would be included in the holders' gross income for federal tax purposes.
(c)Includes LG&E's and KU's series of first mortgage bonds that were issued to the respective trustees of tax-exempt revenue bonds to secure its respective obligations to make payments with respect to each series of bonds. The first mortgage bonds were issued in the same principal amounts, contain payment and redemption provisions that correspond to and bear the same interest rate as such tax-exempt revenue bonds. These first mortgage bonds were issued under the LG&E 2010 Mortgage Indenture and the KU 2010 Mortgage Indenture and are secured as noted in (a) above. The related tax-exempt revenue


139

bonds were issued by various governmental entities, principally counties in Kentucky, on behalf of LG&E and KU. The related revenue bond documents allow LG&E and KU to convert the interest rate mode on the bonds from time to time to a commercial paper rate, daily rate, weekly rate, term rate of at least one year or, in some cases, an auction rate or a SOFR index rate. At December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate tax-exempt revenue bonds issued on behalf of LG&E and KU that were in a term rate mode totaled $514$894 million for LKE,PPL, comprised of $391$538 million and $123$356 million for LG&E and KU. At December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate tax-exempt revenue bonds issued on behalf of LG&E and KU that were in a variable rate mode totaled $375 million for LKE, comprised of $147$66 million and $228$33 million for LG&E and KU. These variable rate tax-exempt revenue bonds are subject to tender for purchase by LG&E and KU at the option of the holder and to mandatory tender for purchase by LG&E and KU upon the occurrence of certain events.
(d)Includes £225 million ($304 million at December 31, 2017) of notes that may be redeemed, in total but not in part, on December 21, 2026, at the greater of the principal value or a value determined by reference to the gross redemption yield on a nominated U.K. Government bond.
(e)The principal amount of the notes issued by WPD (South West), WPD (East Midlands) and WPD (South Wales) is adjusted based on changes in a specified index, as detailed in the terms of the related indentures. The adjustment to the principal amounts from 2016 to 2017 was an increase of approximately £27 million ($37 million) resulting from inflation. In addition, this amount includes £225 million ($304 million at December 31, 2017) of notes issued by WPD (South West) that may be redeemed, in total by series, on December 1, 2026, at the greater of the adjusted principal value and a make-whole value determined by reference to the gross real yield on a nominated U.K. government bond.
(f)Includes £4.7 billion ($6.4 billion at December 31, 2017) of notes that may be put by the holders to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies (Moody's or S&P) or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ or lower in connection with a restructuring event, which includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution licenses under which the issuer operates.
(g)
(d)The table reflects principal maturities only, based on stated maturities, or earlier put dates, and the weighted-average rates as of December 31, 2017.

None of the outstanding debt securities noted above have sinking fund requirements. requirements, or earlier put dates, and the weighted-average rates as of December 31, 2023.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt, based on sinking fund requirements, stated maturities or earlier put dates, for the periods 20182024 through 20222028 and thereafter are as follows:
PPLPPL
Electric
LG&EKU
2024$$— $— $— 
2025551 — 300 250 
2026904 — 90 164 
2027428 108 260 60 
20281,350 — — — 
Thereafter11,541 4,541 1,839 2,615 
Total$14,775 $4,649 $2,489 $3,089 
 PPL 
PPL
Electric
 LKE LG&E KU
2018$348
 $
 $98
 $98
 $
2019430
 
 430
 334
 96
20201,278
 100
 975
 
 500
20211,150
 400
 250
 
 
20221,274
 474
 
 
 
Thereafter15,802
 2,365
 3,447
 1,292
 1,755
Total$20,282
 $3,339
 $5,200
 $1,724
 $2,351

(PPL)
(PPL)


In March 2017, WPD (South Wales) issued £50 million of 0.01% Index-linked Senior Notes due 2029. WPD (South Wales) received proceeds of £53 million, which equated to $64 million at the time of issuance, net of fees and including a premium. The principal amount of the notes is adjusted based on changes in a specified index, as detailed in the terms of the related indenture. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

In September 2017,February 2023, PPL Capital Funding issued $500 million$1.0 billion of 4.00%2.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2047.2028 (the Notes). PPL Capital Funding received proceeds of $490$980 million, net of a discount and underwriting fees, which were used to repay short-term debt obligations and for general corporate purposes. The Notes are senior unsecured notes, fully guaranteed by PPL. The Notes are scheduled to mature on March 15, 2028, unless earlier exchanged, redeemed or repurchased.


In November 2017, WPD (South West) issued £250 millionThe Notes are exchangeable at an initial exchange rate of 2.375% Senior29.3432 shares of PPL's common stock per $1,000 principal amount (equivalent to an initial exchange price of approximately $34.08 per share of common stock). The initial exchange rate is subject to adjustment, as provided in the indenture for anti-dilutive events and fundamental change and redemption provisions. Upon exchange of the Notes, due 2029. WPD (South West) received proceeds of £247 million, which equatedPPL Capital Funding expects to $326 million atredeem the time of issuance, net of fees and a discount. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the re-financing of existing debt.


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In December 2017, WPD repaid the entire $100 millionaggregate principal amount of the Notes in cash. PPL Capital Funding will pay cash, deliver shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at PPL Capital Funding's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of its 7.25% Seniorexchange obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being exchanged. Prior to December 15, 2027, the Notes will be exchangeable at the option of the noteholders only upon the satisfaction of specified conditions and during certain periods described in the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued. On or after December 15, 2027 until the maturity date, the Notes will be exchangeable at the option of the noteholders at any time regardless of these conditions or periods.

PPL Capital Funding may redeem all or any portion of the Notes, at its option, on or after March 20, 2026, if the last reported sale price of the common stock has been at least 130% of the exchange price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive), during any 30 consecutive trading day period, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. No sinking fund is provided for the Notes.

Subject to certain conditions, holders of the Notes will have the right to require PPL Capital Funding to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes upon maturity.the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued at a repurchase price of 100% of their principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with certain corporate events or if PPL Capital Funding calls any Notes for redemption, PPL Capital Funding will, under certain circumstances, increase the exchange rate for noteholders who elect to exchange their Notes in connection with any such corporate event or exchange their Notes called for redemption.


(PPL and PPL Electric)


In May 2017,March 2023, PPL Electric issued $475$600 million of 3.95%5.00% First Mortgage Bonds due 2047.2033 and $750 million of 5.25% First Mortgage Bonds due 2053. PPL Electric received proceeds of $466 million,$1.32 billion, net of a discountdiscounts and underwriting fees, which were used to repay debt, including PPL Electric's $250 million term loan, and for other general corporate purposes.

In March 2023, PPL Electric redeemed all of the outstanding $650 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Floating Rate Series due 2024.


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In March 2023, PPL Electric redeemed all of the outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Floating Rate Series due 2023.

In January 2024, PPL Electric issued $650 million of 4.85% First Mortgage Bonds due 2034. PPL Electric received proceeds of $644 million, net of discounts and underwriting fees, which will be used to repay short-term debt incurred primarilyand for capital expenditures.other general corporate purposes.


(PPL and LG&E)

In August 2017, the LCIDA remarketed $108March 2023, LG&E issued $400 million of Pollution Control5.45% First Mortgage Bonds due 2033. LG&E received proceeds of $396 million, net of discounts and underwriting fees, which were used to repay LG&E's $300 million term loan and for other general corporate purposes.

In December 2023, the County of Trimble, Kentucky issued $65 million of 4.70% Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Project),2023 Series 2016BA due 2027 previously issued2054 on behalf of PPL Electric.LG&E which reimburses LG&E for costs used to finance the acquisition, construction, installation, and equipping of certain solid waste disposal facilities owned by LG&E located in Trimble County, Kentucky. In December 2023, LG&E received proceeds of $40 million for expenditures made. The bonds were remarketedremaining balance of $25 million is being held in escrow until qualifying expenditures are made and has been recorded as restricted cash and included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheet at a long-term rate and will bear interest at 1.80% through their mandatory purchase date of August 15, 2022.December 31, 2023.

In September 2017, the LCIDA remarketed $116 million of Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Project), Series 2016A due 2029 previously issued on behalf of PPL Electric. The bonds were remarketed at a long-term rate and will bear interest at 1.80% through their mandatory purchase date of September 1, 2022.


(PPL LKE and LG&E)KU)


In April 2017, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government of Kentucky remarketed $128March 2023, KU issued $400 million of Pollution Control Revenue5.45% First Mortgage Bonds 2003 Series A (Louisville Gasdue 2033. KU received proceeds of $396 million, net of discounts and Electric Company Project) due 2033 previously issued on behalf of LG&E. The bondsunderwriting fees, which were remarketed at a long-term rateused to repay KU's $300 million term loan and will bear interest at 1.50% through their mandatory purchase date of April 1, 2019.for general corporate purposes.


In June 2017,December 2023, the County of Trimble, Kentucky issued $60 million of Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2017 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033 on behalf of LG&E. The bonds were issued bearing interest at a rate of 3.75% through their maturity and are subject to an optional redemption on or after June 1, 2027. The proceeds of the bonds were used to redeem $60 million of Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2007 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033 previously issued by the County of Trimble, Kentucky on behalf of LG&E.

In June 2017, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government of Kentucky remarketed $31 million of Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2007 Series A (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033 previously issued on behalf of LG&E. The bonds were remarketed at a long-term rate and will bear interest at 1.25% through their mandatory purchase date of June 3, 2019.

In June 2017, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government of Kentucky remarketed $35 million of Environmental Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 2007 Series B (Louisville Gas and Electric Company Project) due 2033 previously issued on behalf of LG&E. The bonds were remarketed at a long-term rate and will bear interest at 1.25% through their mandatory purchase date of June 3, 2019.

In October 2017, LG&E entered into a $200 million term loan credit facility with a term expiring in October 2019. As of December 31, 2017, LG&E had outstanding borrowings of $100 million under this agreement at a rate of 2.06%. In January 2018, LG&E borrowed the remaining $100 million available under this facility.

In November 2017, LG&E redeemed, at par, its $10 million Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government4.70% Environmental Facilities Revenue Bonds 20012023 Series A (Louisville Gasdue 2054 on behalf of KU which reimburses KU for costs used to finance the acquisition, construction, installation, and equipping of certain solid waste disposal facilities owned by KU located in Trimble County, Kentucky. In December 2023, KU received proceeds of $37 million for expenditures made. The remaining balance of $23 million is being held in escrow until qualifying expenditures are made and has been recorded as restricted cash and included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023.

(PPL Electric, Company Project) due 2027.LG&E and KU)


See Note 14 for additional information related to intercompany borrowings.

Legal Separateness(All Registrants)

The subsidiaries of PPL are separate legal entities. PPL's subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL. Accordingly, creditors of PPL may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL's subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay PPL's creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. Similarly, other than PPL's guarantee of PPL Capital Funding's obligations, PPL is not liable for the debts of its subsidiaries, nor are its subsidiaries liable for the debts of one another. Accordingly, creditors of PPL's subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL or its other subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by PPL or its other subsidiaries to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.

Similarly, the subsidiaries of PPL Electric and LKE are each separate legal entities. These subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL Electric and LKE.Electric. Accordingly, creditors of PPL Electric and LKE may not satisfy theirits debts from the assets of


180


their its subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. Similarly, PPL Electric and LKE areis not liable for the debts of theirits subsidiaries, nor are theirits subsidiaries liable for the debts of one another. Accordingly, creditors of these subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL Electric and LKE (or theirits other subsidiaries) absent a specific contractual undertaking by that parentPPL Electric or any such other subsidiary to pay such creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.



141

(PPL)

ATM ProgramEquity Securities

In February 2015, PPL entered into two separate equity distribution agreements, pursuant to which PPL may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $500 millionJune 2023, RIE redeemed all 49,089 shares of its common stock. The compensation paidoutstanding preferred stock at a redemption price equal to the selling agents by PPL may be up to 1%par value of the gross offering proceeds$50 per share, plus a premium of the shares sold with respect to each equity distribution agreement. PPL issued the following for the years ended December 31:$5 per share, plus a prorated dividend of $0.1875 per share. The total payment was $3 million.
 2017 2016 2015
Number of shares (in thousands)10,373
 710
 1,477
Net Proceeds$377
 $25
 $49


Distributions and Related Restrictions

In November 2017,2023, PPL declared its quarterly common stock dividend, payable January 2, 2018,2024, at 39.524.00 cents per share (equivalent to $1.580.96 cents per annum). On February 22, 2018,16, 2024, PPL announced that the company is increasing itsa quarterly common stock dividend to 41.0of 25.75 cents per share, on a quarterly basis (equivalentpayable April 1, 2024, to $1.64 per annum).shareowners of record as of March 8, 2024. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, cash flows, financial and legal requirements and other factors.

See Note 8 for information regarding the June 1, 2015 distribution to PPL's shareowners of a newly formed entity, Holdco, which at closing owned all of the membership interests of PPL Energy Supply and all of the common stock of Talen Energy.

Neither PPL Capital Funding nor PPL may declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on its capital stock during any period in which PPL Capital Funding defers interest payments on its 2007 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 or 2013 Series B Junior Subordinated Notes due 2073.2067. At December 31, 2017,2023, no interest payments were deferred.

WPD subsidiaries have financing arrangements that limit their ability to pay dividends. However, PPL does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact PPL's ability to meet its cash obligations.

(All Registrants)

PPL relies on dividends or loans from its subsidiaries to fund PPL's dividends to its common shareholders. The net assets of certain PPL subsidiaries are subject to legal restrictions. LKE primarily relies on dividends from its subsidiaries to fund its distributions to PPL. LG&E, KU, and PPL Electric and RIE are subject to Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act, which makes it unlawful for a public utility to make or pay a dividend from any funds "properly included in capital account." The meaning of this limitation has never been clarified under the Federal Power Act. LG&E, KU, and PPL Electric and RIE believe, however, that this statutory restriction, as applied to their circumstances, would not be construed or applied by the FERC to prohibit the payment from retained earnings of dividends that are not excessive and are for lawful and legitimate business purposes. In February 2012, LG&E and KU petitioned the FERC requesting authorization to pay dividends in the future based on retained earnings balances calculated without giving effect to the impact of purchase accounting adjustments for thePPL's 2010 acquisition of LKE by PPL.LG&E and KU. In May 2012, the FERC approved the petitions with the further condition that each utility may not pay dividends if such payment would cause its adjusted equity ratio to fall below 30% of total capitalization. Accordingly, at December 31, 2017,2023, net assets of $2.7 billion ($1.1$1.5 billion for LG&E and $1.6$2.0 billion for KU)KU were restricted for purposes of paying dividends to LKE, and net assets of $3.1 billion ($1.4$1.7 billion for LG&E and $1.7$2.2 billion for KU)KU were available for payment of dividends to LKE. LG&E and KU believe they will not be required to change their current dividend practices as a result of the foregoing requirement. In addition, under Virginia law, KU is prohibited from making loans to affiliates without the prior approval of the VSCC. There are no comparable statutes under Kentucky law applicable to LG&E and KU, or under Pennsylvania law applicable to PPL Electric. However, orders from the KPSC require LG&E and KU to obtain prior consent or approval before lending amounts to PPL.
 


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8.9. Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures
(All Registrants)
The Registrants from time to time evaluate opportunities for potential acquisitions, divestitures and development projects. Development projects are reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with, modify or terminate the projects. Any resulting transactions may impact future financial results.

(PPL)

Discontinued OperationsAcquisitions

SpinoffAcquisition of Narragansett Electric

On May 25, 2022, PPL Rhode Island Holdings acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Narragansett Electric from National Grid U.S., a subsidiary of National Grid plc (the Acquisition). Narragansett Electric, whose service area covers substantially all of Rhode Island, is primarily engaged in the transmission and distribution of electricity and distribution of natural gas. The Acquisition expands PPL's portfolio of regulated natural gas and electricity transmission and distribution assets, has improved PPL's credit metrics and is expected to enhance long term earnings growth. Following the closing of the Acquisition, Narragansett Electric provides services doing business under the name Rhode Island Energy (RIE).

The consideration for the Acquisition consisted of approximately $3.8 billion in cash and approximately $1.5 billion of long-term debt assumed through the transaction. The fair value of the consideration paid for Narragansett Electric was as follows (in billions):


142

Aggregate enterprise consideration$5.3 
Less: fair value of assumed long-term debt outstanding1.5 
Total cash consideration$3.8 

The $3.8 billion total cash consideration paid was funded with proceeds from PPL's 2021 sale of its U.K. utility business.

In connection with the Acquisition, National Grid USA Service Company, Inc., National Grid U.S. and Narragansett Electric have entered into a transition services agreement (TSA), pursuant to which National Grid has agreed to provide certain transition services to Narragansett Electric to facilitate the transition of the operation of Narragansett Electric to PPL following the Acquisition, as agreed upon in the Narragansett SPA. The TSA is for an initial two-year term and certain aspects have been extended to the third quarter of 2024. The TSA is subject to further extension as necessary to complete the successful transition. TSA costs of $228 million and $123 million were incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Commitments to the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island

As a condition to the Acquisition, PPL made certain commitments to the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island. As a result:

RIE provided a credit to all its electric and natural gas distribution customers in the total amount of $50 million ($40 million net of tax benefit). Based on the relative number of electric distribution customers and natural gas distribution customers as of November 1, 2022, RIE refunded, in the form of a bill credit, $33 million to electric customers and $17 million to natural gas customers of amounts collected from customers since the Acquisition date. Each electric customer received the same credit, and each natural gas customer received the same credit. A reduction of revenue and a regulatory liability of $50 million for the amounts refunded were recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2022. These credits were issued during the fourth quarter of 2022. The amounts refunded will not impact RIE's earnings sharing regulatory mechanism.
RIE forgave approximately $44 million ($21 million net of allowance for doubtful accounts) in arrearages for low-income and protected residential customers, which represents 100% of the arrearages over 90 days for those customers as of March 31, 2022. PPL deemed these accounts uncollectible and fully reserved for them as of September 30, 2022, resulting in an increase to "Other operations and maintenance expense" on the Statement of Income of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
RIE will not file a base rate case seeking an increase in base distribution rates for natural gas and/or electric service sooner than three years from the Acquisition date, and RIE will not submit a request for a change in base rates unless and until there is at least twelve months of operating experience under PPL's exclusive leadership and after the TSA with National Grid terminates.
RIE will forgo potential recovery of any and all transition costs, which includes (1) the installation of certain information technology systems; (2) modification and enhancements to physical facilities in Rhode Island; and (3) incurring costs related to severance payments, communications and branding changes, and other transition related costs. These costs, which are being expensed as incurred, were $262 million and $181 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
RIE will not seek to recover any transaction costs related to the Acquisition, which were $28 million through December 31, 2023, including an immaterial amount for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $18 million and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. These amounts were recorded in "Other operations and maintenance" on the Statement of Income.
RIE will not seek to recover in rates any markup charged by National Grid U.S. and/or its affiliates under the TSA which were $7 million and $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In June 2022, RIE expensed $20 million of regulatory assets as of the Acquisition date for the Gas Business Enablement (GBE) project and for certain Cybersecurity/IT investments related to GBE. The expense was recorded to "Other operations and maintenance" on the Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2022. RIE will not seek to recover these regulatory assets from customers in any future proceedings.
RIE will exclude all goodwill from the ratemaking capital structure.
RIE will hold harmless Rhode Island customers from any changes to Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes (ADIT) as a result of the Acquisition. RIE reserves the right to seek rate adjustments based on future changes to ADIT that are not related to the Acquisition.
RIE will not increase its revenue requirement to a level higher than what would exist in the absence of the Acquisition as a result of any restatement of pension and other post-retirement benefits plan assets and liabilities to fair value after the close of the Acquisition.


143

Rhode Island Holdings contributed $2.5 million to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's Renewable Energy Fund and will not use any of the $2.5 million to meet its pre-existing renewable energy credit goals in Rhode Island or any other state. This contribution was made during the year ended December 31, 2022 and was recorded in "Other Income (Expense)" on the Statement of Income.
RIE will make available up to $2.5 million for the Rhode Island Attorney General to utilize as needed in evaluating PPL's report on RIE's specific decarbonization goals to support Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate or to assess the future of the gas distribution business in Rhode Island. This amount was accrued during the year ended December 31, 2022 and was recorded in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statement of Income.
Various other operational and reporting commitments have been established.

Purchase Price Allocation

The operations of Narragansett Electric are subject to the accounting for certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. The carrying value of Narragansett Electric’s assets and liabilities subject to rate-setting and cost recovery provisions provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment of net assets and liabilities included in rate base. Therefore, the fair values of these assets and liabilities equal their carrying values. Accordingly, neither the assets acquired nor liabilities assumed reflect any adjustments related to these amounts.

Total goodwill resulting from the acquisition was $1,585 million. PPL has elected to not reflect the effects of purchase accounting in the separate financial statements of RIE or PPL's Rhode Island Regulated segment. Accordingly, the Rhode Island Regulated segment includes $725 million of acquired legacy goodwill. The remaining excess purchase price of $860 million is included in PPL's Corporate and Other category for segment reporting purposes. The goodwill reflects the value paid for the expected continued growth of a rate-regulated business located in a defined service area with a constructive regulatory environment, the ability of PPL Energy Supplyto leverage its assembled workforce to take advantage of those growth opportunities and the attractiveness of stable, growing cash flows. The tax goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes over a 15 year period, and as such, deferred taxes will be recorded as the tax deductions are taken.

In June 2014, PPLThe table below shows the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and PPL Energy Supply executed definitive agreements with affiliatesliabilities assumed that were recorded in PPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of Riverstone to spin off PPL Energy Supply and immediately combine it with Riverstone's competitive power generation businesses to form a new, stand-alone, publicly traded company named Talen Energy.the Acquisition date. The transactionallocation was subject to customary closing conditions,change during the one-year measurement period as additional information was obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed at closing. Adjustments to certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the year ended December 31, 2023 resulted in a decrease in goodwill of $1 million since the purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2022.


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Final Purchase Price Allocation
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents$154 
Accounts Receivable (a)195 
Unbilled Revenues54 
Price Risk Management Assets99 
Regulatory Assets75 
Other Current Assets65 
Total Current Assets642
Noncurrent Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, net3,992 
Regulatory Assets393 
Goodwill1,585 
Other Noncurrent Assets164 
Total Noncurrent Assets6,134
Total Assets$6,776
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year$14 
Accounts Payable180 
Taxes Accrued44 
Regulatory Liabilities239 
Other Current Liabilities198 
Total Current Liabilities675
Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-Term Debt1,496 
Regulatory Liabilities643 
Other Deferred Credits and Noncurrent Liabilities142 
Noncurrent Liabilities2,281
Total Purchase Price (Balance Sheet Net Assets)$3,820

(a)Amounts represent fair value as of May 25, 2022. The gross contractual amount is $255 million. Cash flows not expected to be collected as of May 25, 2022 were $60 million.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The actual RIE Operating Revenues and Net income attributable to PPL included in PPL's Statement of Income for the period ended December 31, 2022, and PPL's unaudited pro forma 2022 and 2021 Operating Revenues and Net Income (Loss) attributable to PPL, including receiptRIE, as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2021 are as follows.
Operating RevenuesNet Income (Loss)
Actual RIE results included from May 25, 2022 - December 31, 2022 (a)$1,038 $(44)
PPL Pro Forma for the year ended 20228,667 790 
PPL Pro Forma for the year ended 20217,478 159 

(a)Net Income (Loss) includes expenses of regulatory approvals$98 million (pre-tax) related to commitments made as a condition of the Acquisition.



145

The pro forma financial information presented above has been derived from the NRC, FERC, DOJhistorical consolidated financial statements of PPL and PUC,Narragansett Electric. Non-recurring items included in the 2022 pro forma financial information include: (a) $18 million (pre-tax) of transaction costs related to the Acquisition, primarily for advisory, accounting and legal fees incurred, (b) $223 million (pre-tax) of Acquisition integration costs, (c) a $50 million reduction of revenue (pre-tax), write-offs of $43 million (pre-tax) of certain accounts receivable and regulatory assets of RIE and $5 million (pre-tax) of expenses accrued in support of Rhode Island's decarbonization goals, all of which were received by mid-April 2015. On April 29, 2015, PPL's Board of Directors declared the June 1, 2015 distribution to PPL's shareowners of record on May 20, 2015 of a newly formed entity, Holdco, which at closing owned allconditions of the membership interests of PPL Energy SupplyAcquisition, and all of(d) the common stock of Talen Energy.
Immediately following the spinoff on June 1, 2015, Holdco merged with a special purpose subsidiary of Talen Energy, with Holdco continuing as the surviving company to the merger and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Talen Energy and the sole owner of PPL Energy Supply. Substantially contemporaneous with the spinoff and merger, RJS Power was contributed by its owners to become a subsidiary of Talen Energy. PPL shareowners received approximately 0.1249 shares of Talen Energy common stock for each share of PPL common stock they owned on May 20, 2015. Following completionincome tax effect of these transactions, PPL shareowners owned 65% of Talen Energy and affiliates of Riverstone owned 35%. The spinoff had no effect onitems, which was tax effected at the number of PPL common shares owned by PPL shareowners or the number of shares of PPL common stock outstanding. The transaction is intended to be tax-free to PPL and its shareowners for U.S.statutory federal income tax purposes.
PPL has no continuing ownership interest in or controlrate of Talen Energy and Talen Energy Supply (formerly PPL Energy Supply)21%.


Loss on Spinoff
In June 2015, in conjunction with the accounting for the spinoff, PPL evaluated whether the fair value of the Supply segment's net assets was less than the carrying value as of the June 1, 2015 spinoff date.
PPL considered several valuation methodologies to derive a fair value estimate of its Supply segment at the spinoff date. These methodologies included considering the closing "when-issued" Talen Energy market value on June 1, 2015 (the spinoff date), adjusted for the proportional share of the equity value attributable to the Supply segment, as well as, the valuation methods consistently used in PPL's quantitative goodwill impairment assessments - an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis of the Supply segment and an alternative market approach considering market multiples of comparable companies.
Although the Talen Energy market value approach utilized the most observable inputs of the three approaches, PPL considered certain limitations of the "when-issued" trading market for the spinoff transaction including the short trading duration, lack of liquidity in the market and anticipated initial Talen Energy stock ownership base selling pressure, among other factors, and concluded that these factors limited this input being solely determinative of the fair value of the Supply segment. As such, PPL also considered the other valuation approaches in estimating the overall fair value, but ultimately assigned the highest weighting to the Talen Energy market value approach.
The following table summarizes PPL's fair value analysis:


182


Approach Weighting 
Weighted
Fair Value
(in billions)
Talen Energy Market Value 50% $1.4
Income/Discounted Cash Flow 30% 1.1
Alternative Market (Comparable Company) 20% 0.7
Estimated Fair Value   $3.2
A key assumptionNon-recurring items included in the fair value estimate is2021 pro forma financial information include: (a) $38 million (pre-tax) of Acquisition integration costs and (b) the applicationincome tax effect of a control premiumthis item, which was tax effected at the statutory federal income tax rate of 25% in the two market approaches. PPL concluded it was appropriate to apply a control premium in these approaches as the goodwill impairment testing guidance was followed in determining the estimated fair value of the Supply segment, which had historically been a reporting unit for PPL. This guidance provides that the market price of an individual security (and thus the market capitalization of a reporting unit with publicly traded equity securities) may not be representative of the fair value of the reporting unit. This guidance also indicates that substantial value may arise to a controlling shareholder21%. Losses from the abilitydiscontinued operations (net of income taxes) of PPL of $1,498 million in 2021 were excluded from the pro forma amount above.

Divestitures

Sale of Safari Holdings

On September 29, 2022, PPL signed a definitive agreement to take advantagesell all of synergies and other benefits that arise from control over another entity, and thatSafari Holdings membership interests to Aspen Power Services, LLC (Aspen Power). On November 1, 2022, PPL completed the market price of a company's individual share of stock does not reflect this additional value to a controlling shareholder. Therefore, the quoted market price need not be the sole measurement basis for determining the fair value, and including a control premium is appropriate in measuring the fair value of a reporting unit.sale (the Transaction).

In determining the control premium, PPL reviewed premiums receivedFinal closing adjustments were completed during the prior five yearsyear ended December 31, 2023, resulting in market sales transactions obtained from observable independent power producer and hybrid utility transactions greater than $1 billion. Premiums for these transactions ranged from 5%an increase to 42% with a median of approximately 25%. Given these metrics, PPL concluded a control premium of 25% to be reasonable for both of the market valuation approaches used.
Assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis included forward energy prices, forecasted generation, and forecasted operation and maintenance expenditures that were consistent with assumptions used in the Energy Supply portion of the Talen Energy business planning process at that time and a market participant discount rate.
Using these methodologies and weightings, PPL determined the estimated fair value of the Supply segment (classified as Level 3) was below its carrying value of $4.1 billion and recorded a loss on the spinoffsale of $879$6 million in the second quarter($5 million net of 2015,tax), which is reflected in discontinued operations and is nondeductible for tax purposes. This amount served to reduce the basis of the net assets accounted for as a dividend at the June 1, 2015 spinoff date.
Costs of Spinoff
Following the announcement of the transaction to form Talen Energy, efforts were initiated to identify the appropriate staffing for Talen Energy and for PPL and its subsidiaries following completion of the spinoff. Organizational plans were substantially completed and estimated charges for employee separation benefits werewas recorded in 2014. In 2015, the organizational structures were finalized for both PPL and Talen Energy, which resulted in an additional charge of $10 million for employee separation benefits. Of this amount, $2 million related to Energy Supply positions and is reflected in discontinued operations. The remaining $8 million is reflected in "Other operation and maintenance" on the 2015 PPL Consolidated StatementStatements of Income. The separation benefits include cash severance compensation, lump sum COBRA reimbursement payments and outplacement services. 

Additional employee-related costs incurred primarily included accelerated stock-based compensation and prorated performance-based cash incentive and stock-based compensation awards, primarilyIncome for PPL Energy Supply employees and for PPL Services employees who became PPL Energy Supply employees in connection with the transaction. PPL Energy Supply recognized $24year ended December 31, 2023. A loss on sale of $60 million ($46 million net of these costs at the spinoff closing date in 2015, which are reflected in discontinued operations.
PPLtax benefit) was recorded $45 million of third-party costs related to this transaction in 2015. Of these costs, $32 million were primarily for bank advisory, legal and accounting fees to facilitate the transaction, and are reflected in discontinued operations. An additional $13 million of consulting and other costs were incurred in 2015, related to the formation of the Talen Energy organization and to reconfigure the remaining PPL service functions. These costs are recorded primarily in "Other operation and maintenance" on the 2015 Statement of Income.
At the close of the transaction in 2015, $72 million ($42 million after-tax) of cash flow hedges, primarily unamortized losses on PPL interest rate swaps recorded in AOCI and designated as cash flow hedges of PPL Energy Supply's future interest payments, were reclassified into earnings and reflected in discontinued operations.


183


Continuing Involvement(PPL and PPL Electric)
As a result of the spinoff, PPL and PPL Energy Supply entered into a Transition Services Agreement (TSA) that terminated on May 31, 2017. The TSA set forth the terms and conditions for PPL and Talen Energy to provide certain transition services to one another. PPL provided Talen Energy certain information technology, financial and accounting, human resource and other specified services. PPL billed Talen Energy $1 million, $35 million and $25 million for these services in 2017, 2016 and 2015. In general, the fees for the transition services allow the provider to recover its cost of the services, including overheads, but without margin or profit.
Additionally, prior to the spinoff, through the annual competitive solicitation process, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded supply contracts for a portion of the PLR generation supply for PPL Electric, which were retained by Talen Energy Marketing as part of the spinoff transaction. PPL Electric's supply contracts with Talen Energy Marketing extended through November 2016. Energy purchases from PPL EnergyPlus were previously included in PPL Electric's Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2022.

In connection with the closing of the Transaction, PPL provided certain guarantees and other assurances. Certain of these guarantees and other assurances have been terminated as "Energy purchases from affiliate" but were eliminated in PPL's Consolidated Statements of Income.
SubsequentJanuary 8, 2024. See Note 13 to the spinoff,Financial Statements for additional information.

Discontinued Operations

Sale of the U.K. Utility Business

On June 14, 2021, PPL Electric's energy purchases from Talen Energy Marketing were $106 millionWPD Limited completed the sale of PPL's utility business to National Grid Holdings One plc (National Grid U.K.), a subsidiary of National Grid plc. The transaction resulted in cash proceeds of $10.7 billion inclusive of foreign currency hedges executed by PPL. PPL received net proceeds, after taxes and $27 millionfees, of $10.4 billion.PPL WPD Limited agreed to indemnify National Grid U.K. for 2016certain tax related matters. See Note 13 for additional information. PPL has not had and 2015. There were no energy purchases from Talen Energy Marketing in 2017. These energy purchases are no longer considered affiliate transactions.will not have any significant involvement with the U.K. utility business since completion of the sale.


(PPL)

Summarized Results of Discontinued Operations

The operations of the Supply segmentU.K. utility business are included in "Loss"Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)" on the StatementStatements of Income.Income for prior years, as there were no operations in 2023. Following are the components of Discontinued Operationsdiscontinued operations in the StatementStatements of Income for the period ended December 31:
 2015
Operating revenues$1,427
Operating expenses1,328
Other Income (Expense) - net(21)
Interest expense (a)150
Income tax expense (benefit)(30)
Loss on spinoff(879)
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)$(921)
(a)
Includes interest associated with the Supply segment with no additional allocation as the Supply segment was sufficiently capitalized.

Net assets, after recognition of the loss on the spinoff, of $3.2 billion were distributed to PPL shareowners in the June 1, 2015, spinoff of PPL Energy Supply.

Development
Regional Transmission Line Expansion Plan(PPL and PPL Electric)
Northeast/Pocono
In October 2012, the FERC issued an order in response to PPL Electric's December 2011 request for ratemaking incentives for the Northeast/Pocono Reliability project (a new 58-mile, 230 kV transmission line that includes three new substations and upgrades to adjacent facilities). The FERC granted the incentive for inclusion in rate base of all prudently incurred construction work in progress costs but denied the requested incentive for a 100 basis point adder to the return on equity.
In December 2012, PPL Electric submitted an application to the PUC requesting permission to site and construct the project. In January 2014, the PUC issued a final order approving the application. The line was energized in April 2016, completing the approximately $350 million project, which includes additional substation security enhancements. Costs related to the project are included on the Balance Sheets, primarily in "Regulated utility plant."



184


Capacity Needs(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

As a result of environmental requirements and energy efficiency measures, KU anticipates retiring two older coal-fired electricity generating units at the E.W. Brown plant in 2019 with a combined summer rating capacity of 272 MW.

The Cane Run Unit 7 NGCC was put into commercial operation in June 2015. As a result and to meet more stringent EPA regulations, LG&E retired one coal-fired generating unit at the Cane Run plant in March 2015 and retired the remaining two coal-fired generating units at the plant in June 2015. KU retired the two remaining coal-fired generating units at the Green River plant in September 2015. LG&E and KU incurred costs of $11 million and $6 million directly related to these retirements including inventory write-downs and separation benefits. There were no gains or losses on the retirement of these units.

In December 2014, a final order was issued by the KPSC approving the request to construct a solar generation facility at the E.W. Brown facility. LG&E and KU completed construction activities and placed a 10 MW facility into commercial operation in June 2016 at a cost of $25 million.
9. Leases
(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
PPL and its subsidiaries have entered into various agreements for the lease of office space, vehicles, land, gas storage and other equipment.
Rent - Operating Leases
Rent expense for the years ended December 31 for operating leases31:
20222021
Operating Revenues$— $1,344 
Operating Expenses— 467 
Other Income (Expense) - net— 202 
Interest Expense (a)— 209 
Income before income taxes— 870 
Loss on sale— (1,609)
Income tax (benefit) expense(42)759 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)$42 $(1,498)

(a)No interest from corporate level debt was as follows:allocated to discontinued operations.



146
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$45
 $50
 $49
LKE26
 26
 24
LG&E15
 15
 12
KU11
 11
 11

Total future minimum rental payments for all operating leases are estimated to be:
 PPL LKE LG&E KU
2018$32
 $26
 $15
 $10
201919
 16
 8
 8
202013
 11
 5
 6
202110
 8
 3
 5
20228
 6
 2
 4
Thereafter22
 15
 6
 8
Total$104
 $82
 $39
 $41
10. Stock-Based Compensation
(PPL, PPL Electric and LKE)
Under the ICP, SIP and the ICPKE (together, the Plans), restricted shares of PPL common stock, restricted stock units, performance units and stock options may be granted to officers and other key employees of PPL, PPL Electric, LKE and other affiliated companies. Awards under the Plans are made by the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee (CGNC) of the PPL Board of Directors, in the case of the ICP and SIP, and by the PPL Corporate Leadership Council (CLC), in the case of the ICPKE.

The following table details the award limits under each of the Plans.


185


10. Leases

  Total Plan 
Annual Grant Limit
Total As % of
Outstanding
 Annual Grant 
Annual Grant Limit
For Individual Participants -
Performance Based Awards
  
Award
Limit
 
PPL Common Stock
On First Day of
 
Limit
Options
 
For awards
denominated in
 
For awards
denominated in
Plan (Shares) Each Calendar Year (Shares) shares (Shares) cash (in dollars)
SIP 15,000,000
   2,000,000
 750,000
 $15,000,000
ICPKE 14,199,796
 2% 3,000,000
  
  
(All Registrants)

Any portionLG&E and KU have entered into various operating leases primarily for office space, vehicles and railcars. The leases generally have fixed payments with expiration dates ranging from 2024 to 2042, some of these awards that has not been granted may be carried over and used in any subsequent year. If any award lapses, is forfeited orwhich have options to extend the rights of the participant terminate, the shares of PPL common stock underlying such an award are again available for grant. Shares delivered under the Plans may be in the form of authorized and unissued PPL common stock, common stock held in treasury by PPL or PPL common stock purchased on the open market (including private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are awards based on the fair value of PPL common stock on the date of grant. Actual PPL common shares will be issued upon completion of a restriction period, generally three years.

Under the SIP, each restricted stock unit entitles the executive to accrue additional restricted stock units equal to the amount of quarterly dividends paid on PPL stock. These additional restricted stock units are deferred and payable in shares of PPL common stock at the end of the restriction period. Dividend equivalents on restricted stock unit awards granted under the ICPKE are currently paid in cash when dividends are declared by PPL.
The fair value of restricted stock units granted is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period or through the date at which the employee reaches retirement eligibility. The fair value of restricted stock units granted to retirement-eligible employees is recognized as compensation expense immediately upon the date of grant. Recipients of restricted stock units granted under the ICPKE may also be granted the right to receive dividend equivalents through the end of the restriction period or until the award is forfeited. Restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture or accelerated payout under the plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death of employees. Restrictions lapse on restricted stock units fully, in certain situations, as defined by each of the Plans.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$35.30
 $33.84
 $34.50
PPL Electric35.45
 34.32
 34.41
LKE35.25
 33.73
 34.89
Restricted stock unit activity for 2017 was:
 
Restricted
Shares/Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
PPL   
Nonvested, beginning of period1,337,025
 $31.57
Granted538,441
 35.30
Vested(567,001) 29.28
Forfeited(16,816) 34.28
Nonvested, end of period (a)1,291,649
 34.10


186


 
Restricted
Shares/Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
    
PPL Electric   
Nonvested, beginning of period204,570
 $31.27
Transfer between registrants(5,250) 32.05
Granted79,321
 35.45
Vested(91,117) 28.83
Forfeited(3,108) 34.68
Nonvested, end of period184,416
 34.20
    
LKE   
Nonvested, beginning of period243,281
 $31.53
Transfer between registrants25,337
 31.61
Granted97,775
 35.25
Vested(125,612) 29.68
Forfeited(9,224) 34.04
Nonvested, end of period231,557
 34.01
(a)Excludes 252,850 restricted stock units for which restrictions lapsed for former PPL Energy Supply employees as a result of the spinoff, but for which distribution will not occur until the end of the original restriction period of the awards.

Substantially all restricted stock unit awards are expected to vest.
The total fair value of restricted stock units vesting for the years ended December 31 was:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$20
 $30
 $28
PPL Electric3
 3
 4
LKE4
 5
 4
Performance Units - Total Shareowner Return
Performance units based on Total Shareowner Return (TSR) are intended to encourage and reward future corporate performance. Performance units represent a target number of shares (Target Award) of PPL's common stock that the recipient would receive upon PPL's attainment of the applicable performance goal. Performance is determined based on TSR during a three-year performance period. At the end of the period, payout is determined by comparing PPL's performance to the TSR of the companies included in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index. Awards are payable on a graduated basis based on thresholds that measure PPL's performance relative to peers that comprise the applicable index on which each years' awards are measured. Awards can be paid up to 200% of the Target Award or forfeited with no payout if performance is below a minimum established performance threshold. Dividends payable during the performance cycle accumulate and are converted into additional performance units and are payable in shares of PPL common stock upon completion of the performance period based on the determination of the CGNC of whether the performance goals have been achieved. Under the plan provisions, TSR performance units are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment except for retirement,leases from one year to ten years and some have options to terminate at LG&E's and KU's discretion.

PPL has also entered into various operating leases primarily for office and warehouse space. These leases generally have fixed payments with expiration dates ranging from 2024 through 2051. RIE has various operating leases, primarily related to buildings, land, and finance leases related to fleet vehicles used to support the electric and gas operations, with lease terms ranging between 1 and 28 years. In measuring lease liabilities, the Company excludes variable lease payments, other than those that depend on an index or more from commencement of the performance period, disabilityrate, or death of an employee.

The fair value of TSR performance units granted to retirement-eligible employees is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over a one-year period, the minimum vesting period required for an employee to be entitled to payout of the awards with no proration. For employees who are not retirement-eligible, compensation expense is recognized over the shorter of the three-year performance periodin substance fixed payments, and includes lease payments made at or the period until the employee is retirement-eligible, with a minimum vesting and recognition period of one-year. If an employee retires before the one-year vesting period, the performance units are forfeited. Performance units vest on a pro rata basis, in certain situations, as defined by each of the Plans.
commencement date. The fair value of each performance unit granted was estimated using a Monte Carlo pricing model that considers stock beta, a risk-free interest rate, expected stock volatility and expected life. The stock beta was calculated comparing the risk of the individual securities to the average risk of the companies in the index group. The risk-free interest rate reflects the yield on a


187


U.S. Treasury bond commensurate with the expected life of the performance unit. Volatility over the expected term of the performance unit is calculated using daily stock price observations for PPL and all companies in the index group and is evaluated with consideration given to prior periods that may need to be excluded based on eventsvariable lease payments were not likely to recur that had impacted PPL and the companies in the index group. PPL uses a mix of historic and implied volatility to value awards.
The weighted-average assumptions used in the model were:
 2017 2016 2015
Expected stock volatility17.40% 19.60% 15.90%
Expected life3 years
 3 years
 3 years
The weighted-average grant date fair value of TSR performance units granted was:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$38.38
 $35.74
 $36.76
PPL Electric38.37
 35.68
 37.93
LKE38.24
 35.28
 37.10
TSR performance unit activity for 2017 was:
 TSR Performance Units 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Per Share
PPL   
Nonvested, beginning of period1,070,536
 $34.65
Granted293,642
 38.38
Vested(243,983) 32.42
Forfeited(141,964) 32.27
Nonvested, end of period (a)978,231
 36.67
    
PPL Electric   
Nonvested, beginning of period76,726
 $34.68
Granted26,086
 38.37
Vested(14,713) 32.14
Forfeited(12,586) 35.45
Nonvested, end of period75,513
 37.00
    
LKE   
Nonvested, beginning of period191,601
 $34.34
Transfer between registrants8,307
 35.96
Granted64,555
 38.24
Vested(48,980) 32.09
Forfeited(35,194) 35.25
Nonvested, end of period180,289
 36.69

(a)Excludes 41,405 TSR awards for which the service vesting requirement was waived for former PPL Energy Supply employees as a result of the spinoff, but for which the ultimate number of shares to be distributed will depend on the actual attainment of the performance goals at the end of the specified performance periods.

The total fair value of TSR performance units vestingmaterial for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $8 million, $12 million and $6 million for PPL and insignificant for 2023.

PPL Electric also has operating leases which do not have a significant impact to its operations.

(PPL, LG&E and LKE.KU)


Performance Units - Return on EquityLessee Transactions


Beginning in 2017, PPL changed its executive compensation mixThe following table provides the components of lease cost for the Registrants' leases for the years ended December 31:
 202320222021
PPL
Lease cost: 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets$$— $— 
Interest on lease liabilities— — — 
Operating lease cost26 20 24 
Short-term lease cost
Total lease cost$33 $26 $30 
LG&E
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost$$$
Short-term lease cost
Total lease cost$$$
KU
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost$10 $$10 
Short-term lease cost
Total lease cost$11 $11 $11 

The following table provides other key information related to add performance units based on achievement of a corporate Return on Equity (ROE). ROE performance units are intended to further align compensation with the company’s strategy and reward for future corporate performance.


Registrants' leases at December 31:


188
147


 202320222021
PPL
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases$— $— $— 
Operating cash flows from operating leases25 26 23 
Financing cash flows from finance leases— — 
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities— — 
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities47 15 12 
LG&E
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$$$
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
KU
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$$12 $10 
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities10 
Payout
The following table provides the total future minimum rental payments for leases, as well as a reconciliation of these performance units will beundiscounted cash flows to the lease liabilities recognized on the Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023.
PPLLG&EKU
Operating leasesFinance leasesOperating leasesOperating leases
2024$24$2$6$9
202518156
202611123
20279112
20288111
Thereafter3421
Total$104$8$15$22
Weighted-average discount rate
4.68%7.56%4.05%4.36%
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)8733
Current lease liabilities (a)$21$1$6$8
Non-current lease liabilities (a)636912
Right-of-use assets (b)7461319

(a)    Current lease liabilities are included in "Other Current Liabilities" on the Balance Sheets. Non-current lease liabilities are included in "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets. The difference between the total future minimum lease payments and the recorded lease liabilities is due to the impact of discounting.
(b)    Operating lease right-of-use assets are included in "Other noncurrent assets" and finance lease right-of-use assets are included in "Property, Plant and Equipment" on the Balance Sheets.

Lessor Transactions

Third parties leased land from LG&E and KU at certain generation plants to produce refined coal used to generate electricity. The leases were operating leases and expired in 2021. Payments were allocated among lease and non-lease components as stated in the agreements. Lease payments were fixed or determined based on the calculated averageamount of refined coal used in electricity generation at the annual corporate ROEfacility. Payments received were primarily recorded as a regulatory liability and amortized in accordance with regulatory approvals. There are certain leases in which RIE is the lessor. Revenue under such leases was immaterial for eachthe year of the three-year performance period for PPL Corporation. ROE performance units represent a target number of shares (Target Award) of PPL's common stock that the recipient would receive upon PPL's attainment of the applicable ROE performance goal. ROE performance units can be paid up to 200% of the Target Award or forfeited with no payout if performance is below a minimum established performance threshold. Dividends payable during the performance cycle accumulate and are converted into additional performance units and are payable in shares of PPL common stock upon completion of the performance period based on the determination of the CGNC of whether the performance goals have been achieved. Under the plan provisions, these performance units are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment except for retirement, disability or death of an employee.ended December 31, 2023.


The fair value of each ROE performance unit is based onfollowing table shows the closing price of PPL Common Stock onlease income recognized for the date of grant. The fair value of ROE performance units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period or through the date at which the employee reaches retirement eligibility. The fair value awards granted to retirement-eligible employees is recognized as compensation expense immediately upon the date of grant. As these awards are based on performance conditions, the level of attainment is monitored each reporting period and compensation expense is adjusted based on the expected attainment level.

ROE performance unit activity for 2017 was:years ended December 31:

 ROE Performance Unit 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Per Share
PPL   
Granted97,925
 $34.42
Forfeited(997) 34.41
Nonvested, end of period96,928
 34.42
    
PPL Electric   
Granted8,696
 $34.41
Nonvested, end of period8,696
 34.41
    
LKE   
Granted21,536
 $34.29
Forfeited(997) 34.41
Nonvested, end of period20,539
 34.29


148
Stock Options
PPL's CGNC eliminated the use of stock options due to changes in its long-term incentive mix beginning in January 2014.
Under the Plans, stock options had been granted with an option exercise price per share not less than the fair value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. Options outstanding at December 31, 2017, are fully vested. All options expire no later than 10 years from the grant date. The options become exercisable immediately in certain situations, as defined by each of the Plans.
Stock option activity for 2017 was:
 
Number
of Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
 
Aggregate
Total Intrinsic
Value
PPL       
Outstanding at beginning of period4,481,160
 $28.98
    
Exercised(718,977) 26.67
    
Outstanding and exercisable at end of period3,762,183
 29.42
 3.5 $14
        
PPL Electric       
Outstanding at beginning of period240,939
 $27.48
    
Exercised(42,659) 26.99
    
Outstanding and exercisable at end of period198,280
 27.58
 3.8 $1


189


 202320222021
PPL$11 
LG&E— 
KU— — 

 
Number
of Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
 
Aggregate
Total Intrinsic
Value
        
LKE       
Outstanding at beginning of period61,896
 $25.81
    
Exercised(28,164) 26.59
    
Outstanding and exercisable at end of period33,732
 25.15
 4.1 $
For 2017, 2016 and 2015, PPL received $19 million, $52 million and $97 million in cash from stock options exercised. The related income tax benefits realized were not significant.
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $8 million, $18 million and $21 million.
Compensation Expense
Compensation expense for restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and stock options accounted for as equity awards, which for PPL Electric and LKE includes an allocation of PPL Services' expense, was:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$32
 $27
 $33
PPL Electric18
 16
 14
LKE8
 7
 8
See Note 8 for details of the costs recognized in discontinued operations related to the accelerated vesting of awards for former PPL Energy Supply employees.
The income tax benefit related to above compensation expense was as follows:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$13
 $12
 $14
PPL Electric8
 7
 6
LKE3
 3
 3
At December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock awards was:
 
Unrecognized
Compensation
Expense
 
Weighted-
Average
Period for
Recognition
PPL$10
 1.7
PPL Electric2
 1.7
LKE1
 1.6

11. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits
 
(All Registrants)
 
Defined Benefits
The majority of theCertain employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible for pension benefits under non-contributory defined benefit pension plans with benefits based on length of service and final average pay, as defined by the plans.

Effective January 1, 2012, PPL's primary defined benefit pension plan was closed to all newly hired salaried employees. Effective July 1, 2014, PPL's primary defined benefit pension plan was closed to all newly hired bargaining unit employees. Newly hired employees are eligible to participate in the PPL Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with enhanced employer contributions.



190



The defined benefit pension plans of LKE and its subsidiaries were closed to new salaried and bargaining unit employees hired after December 31, 2005. Employees hired after December 31, 2005 receive additional company contributions above the standard matching contributions to their savings plans. The pension plans sponsored by LKE and LG&E were merged effective January 1, 2020 into the LG&E and KU Pension Plan. The merged plan is sponsored by LKE. LG&E and KU participate in this plan.


Effective April 1, 2010, the principalThe RIE defined benefit plans provide most union employees, as well as non-union employees hired before January 1, 2011, with a retirement benefit. Supplemental non-qualified, non-contributory executive retirement programs provide additional defined pension plan applicable to WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) was closed to most new employees, exceptbenefits for those meeting specific grandfathered participation rights. WPD Midlands' defined benefit plan had been closed to new members, except for those meeting specific grandfathered participation rights, prior to acquisition. New employees not eligible to participate in the plans are offered benefits under a defined contribution plan.certain executives.


PPL and certain of its subsidiaries also provide supplemental retirement benefits to executives and other key management employees through unfunded nonqualified retirement plans.
 
The majority ofCertain employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement through contributory plans. Effective January 1, 2014, the PPL Postretirement Medical Plan was closed to all newly hired salaried employees. Effective July 1, 2014, the PPL Postretirement Medical Plan was closed to all newly hired bargaining unit employees. Effective January 1, 2024, newly hired salaried employees and certain bargaining unit employees of LKE will no longer be eligible for postretirement medical benefits under the LKE Postretirement Plan. Postretirement health benefits may be paid from 401(h) accounts established as part of the PPL Retirement Plan and the LG&E and KU RetirementPension Plan within the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust, funded VEBA trusts and company funds. WPD does not sponsor any
The Rhode Island postretirement benefit plans other than pensions.provide health care and life insurance coverage to eligible retired employees. Eligibility is based on age and length of service requirements and, in most cases, retirees must contribute to the cost of their coverage.


149

(PPL)
 
The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) for PPL's domestic (U.S.) and WPD's (U.K.) pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31.
 Pension Benefits      
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits): 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Service cost$65
 $66
 $96
 $76
 $69
 $79
 $7
 $7
 $11
Interest cost168
 174
 194
 178
 235
 314
 23
 26
 26
Expected return on plan assets(231) (228) (258) (514) (504) (523) (22) (22) (26)
Amortization of: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service cost (credit)10
 8
 7
 
 
 
 (1) 
 1
Actuarial (gain) loss69
 50
 84
 144
 138
 158
 1
 1
 
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits) prior to settlements and termination benefits
81
 70
 123
 (116) (62) 28
 8
 12
 12
Settlements1
 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Termination benefits1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits)
$83
 $73
 $123
 $(116) $(62) $28
 $8
 $12
 $12


191


 Pension Benefits      
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
                  
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross:                 
Divestiture (a)$
 $
 $(353) $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(6)
Settlement(1) (3) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (gain) loss27
 253
 63
 346
 7
 508
 (28) 9
 (9)
Prior service cost
(credit)
(1) 15
 18
 
 
 
 8
 
 
Amortization of: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service (cost) credit(10) (8) (7) 
 
 
 1
 (1) (1)
Actuarial gain (loss)(69) (50) (85) (144) (138) (158) (1) (1) 
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities (b)
(54) 207
 (364) 202
 (131) 350
 (20) 7
 (16)
                  
Total recognized in net periodic
defined benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities (b)
$29
 $280
 $(241) $86
 $(193) $378
 $(12) $19
 $(4)
(a)As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, amounts in AOCI were allocated to certain former active and inactive employees of PPL Energy Supply and included in the distribution. See Note 8 for additional details.
(b)WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. As a result, WPD does not record regulatory assets/liabilities.

For PPL's U.S. pension benefits and for other postretirement benefits, the amounts recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 U.S. Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
OCI$(53) $236
 $(269) $(25) $7
 $12
Regulatory assets/liabilities(1) (29) (95) 5
 
 (28)
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities
$(54) $207
 $(364) $(20) $7
 $(16)
 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 202320222021202320222021
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits):      
Service cost$34 $51 $56 $$$
Interest cost188 144 121 30 20 16 
Expected return on plan assets(309)(276)(255)(30)(28)(23)
Amortization of:      
Prior service cost (credit)
Actuarial (gain) loss51 93 (5)(5)(1)
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) prior to settlements and termination benefits(79)(22)23 (5)(1)
Settlements (a)— 23 18 — — — 
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)$(79)$$41 $$(5)$(1)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross:
Net (loss)/gain allocated at acquisition$— $33 $— $— $(49)$— 
Settlement— (23)(18)— — — 
Net (gain) loss193 242 42 (6)— (53)
Prior service cost (credit)— — — — 
Amortization of:      
Prior service (cost) credit(6)(8)(8)(1)(1)(1)
Actuarial gain (loss)(2)(51)(93)
Total recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities187 193 (74)(2)(45)(53)
Total recognized in net periodic defined benefit costs, OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities$108 $194 $(33)$— $(50)$(54)
 
The estimated amounts(a)Settlement charges incurred as a result of the amount of lump sum payment distributions, primarily from the LKE qualified pension plan. In accordance with existing regulatory accounting treatment, LG&E and KU have primarily maintained the settlement charge in regulatory assets to be amortized from AOCI andin accordance with existing regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs in 2018 are as follows:practice. The portion of the settlement attributed to LKE's operations outside of the jurisdiction of the KPSC has been charged to expense.

 Pension Benefits
 U.S. U.K.
Prior service cost (credit)$10
 $
Actuarial (gain) loss86
 152
Total$96
 $152
    
Amortization from Balance Sheet: 
  
AOCI$28
 $152
Regulatory assets/liabilities68
 
Total$96
 $152


192


(LKE)
The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for LKE'sFor PPL's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31.
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits): 
  
  
  
  
  
Service cost$24
 $23
 $26
 $4
 $5
 $5
Interest cost68
 71
 68
 9
 9
 9
Expected return on plan assets(92) (91) (88) (7) (6) (6)
Amortization of: 
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service cost8
 8
 7
 1
 3
 3
Actuarial (gain) loss (a)31
 21
 37
 
 (1) 
Net periodic defined benefit costs (b)$39
 $32
 $50
 $7
 $10
 $11
            
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in OCI and
Regulatory Assets/Liabilities - Gross:
 
  
  
  
  
  
Net (gain) loss$30
 $119
 $20
 $(14) $6
 $(15)
Prior service cost7
 
 19
 8
 
 
Amortization of: 
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service credit(8) (8) (7) (1) (3) (3)
Actuarial gain (loss)(32) (21) (37) 
 1
 
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities
(3) 90
 (5) (7) 4
 (18)
            
Total recognized in net periodic
defined benefit costs, OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities
$36
 $122
 $45
 $
 $14
 $(7)
(a)As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between actuarial (gain)/loss calculated in accordance with LKE's pension accounting policy and actuarial (gain)/loss calculated using a 15 year amortization period was $11 million in 2017, $6 million in 2016 and $9 million in 2015.
(b)Due to the amount of lump sum payment distributions from the LG&E qualified pension plan, a settlement charge of $5 million was incurred. In accordance with existing regulatory accounting treatment, LG&E has maintained the settlement charge in regulatory assets. The amount will be amortized in accordance with existing regulatory practice.

For LKE's pension and other postretirement benefits, the amounts recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 202320222021202320222021
OCI$33
 $42
 $4
 $(2) $2
 $(2)
Regulatory assets/liabilities(36) 48
 (9) (5) 2
 (16)
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities
$(3) $90
 $(5) $(7) $4
 $(18)
  
The estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs for LKE in 2018 are as follows.
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Prior service cost$9
 $1
Actuarial Loss39
 
Total$48
 $1
    
Amortization from Balance Sheet: 
  
AOCI$11
 $
Regulatory assets/liabilities37
 1
Total$48
 $1


193


(LG&E)
The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for LG&E's pension benefit plan for the years ended December 31.
 Pension Benefits
 2017 2016 2015
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits): 
  
  
Service cost$1
 $1
 $1
Interest cost13
 15
 14
Expected return on plan assets(22) (21) (20)
Amortization of: 
  
  
Prior service cost5
 4
 3
Actuarial loss (a)9
 7
 11
Net periodic defined benefit costs (b)$6
 $6
 $9
      
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in Regulatory Assets - Gross:
 
  
  
Net (gain) loss$(9) $22
 $8
Prior service cost7
 
 10
Amortization of: 
  
  
Prior service credit(5) (4) (3)
Actuarial gain(9) (7) (11)
Total recognized in regulatory assets/liabilities(16) 11
 4
      
Total recognized in net periodic defined benefit costs and regulatory assets$(10) $17
 $13
(a)As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between actuarial (gain)/loss calculated in accordance with LG&E's pension accounting policy and actuarial (gain)/loss calculated using a 15 year amortization period was $7 million in 2017, $5 million in 2016 and $3 million in 2015.
(b)Due to the amount of lump sum payment distributions from the LG&E qualified pension plan, a settlement charge of $5 million was incurred. In accordance with existing regulatory accounting treatment, LG&E has maintained the settlement charge in regulatory assets. The amount will be amortized in accordance with existing regulatory practice.

The estimated amounts to be amortized from regulatory assets into net periodic defined benefit costs for LG&E in 2018 are as follows.
 
Pension
Benefits
Prior service cost$5
Actuarial loss9
Total$14
(All Registrants)
The following net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) were charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.
 Pension Benefits      
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
PPL$59
 $53
 $71
 $(151) $(95) $(21) $5
 $7
 $8
PPL Electric (a)12
 10
 15
  
  
  
 
 1
 
LKE (b)28
 24
 37
  
  
  
 5
 6
 8
LG&E (b)8
 8
 12
  
  
  
 3
 3
 4
KU (a) (b)4
 5
 9
  
  
  
 1
 2
 2
(a)PPL Electric and KU do not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans. PPL Electric and KU were allocated these costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services (for PPL Electric) and by LKE (for KU), based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. KU is also allocated costs of defined benefit plans from LKS for defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE. See Note 14 for additional information on costs allocated to KU from LKS.


194


(b)As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between net periodic defined benefit costs calculated in accordance with LKE's, LG&E's and KU's pension accounting policy and the net periodic defined benefit costs calculated using a 15 year amortization period for gains and losses is recorded as a regulatory asset. Of the costs charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts, $4 million for LG&E and $2 million for KU were recorded as regulatory assets in 2017, $3 million for LG&E and $2 million for KU were recorded as regulatory assets in 2016 and $4 million for LG&E and $1 million for KU were recorded as regulatory assets in 2015.

In the table above, LG&E amounts include costs for the specific plans it sponsors and the following allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE. LG&E is also allocated costs of defined benefit plans from LKS for defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE. See Note 14 for additional information on costs allocated to LG&E from LKS. These allocations are based on LG&E's participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable:
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
LG&E Non-Union Only$5
 $4
 $5
 $3
 $3
 $4

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)(PPL)
 
PPL LKE and LG&E adopted the newuses base mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 (RP-2014 base tables with collar and factor adjustments, where applicable) for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. In addition, in 2014, PPL, LKEThe Pri-2012 base table and LG&E updated the basis for estimating projected mortality improvementsMP-2020 projection scale with varying adjustment factors based on the underlying demographic and selectedgeographic differences and experience of the IRS BB-2D two-dimensional improvement scale on a generational basisplan participants was used for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. In 2017, PPL, LKE and LG&E updated to the MP-2017 mortality improvement scale from 2006 on a generational basis. This new mortality assumption reflects the expectationperiods.


150


The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.
Pension Benefits    
U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2023202220232022
PPL 
  
  
  
  
  
PPL  
Discount rate3.70% 4.21% 2.65% 2.87% 3.64% 4.11%Discount rate5.52 %5.80 %5.54 %5.81 %
Rate of compensation increase3.78% 3.95% 3.50% 3.50% 3.75% 3.92%Rate of compensation increase3.43 %3.77 %3.43 %3.78 %
           
LKE 
  
  
  
  
  
Discount rate3.69% 4.19%  
  
 3.65% 4.12%
Rate of compensation increase3.50% 3.50%  
  
 3.50% 3.50%
           
LG&E 
  
  
  
  
  
Discount rate3.65% 4.13%  
  
  
  
 
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic defined benefit costs for the years ended December 31. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.
 Pension Benefits      
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
PPL 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Discount rate service cost (b)4.21% 4.59% 4.25% 2.99% 3.90% 3.85% 4.11% 4.48% 4.09%
Discount rate interest cost (b)4.21% 4.59% 4.25% 2.41% 3.14% 3.85% 4.11% 4.48% 4.09%
Rate of compensation increase3.95% 3.93% 3.91% 3.50% 4.00% 4.00% 3.92% 3.91% 3.86%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00% 7.00% 7.00% 7.22% 7.20% 7.19% 6.21% 6.11% 6.06%
                  
LKE 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Discount rate4.19% 4.56% 4.25%  
  
  
 4.12% 4.49% 4.06%
Rate of compensation increase3.50% 3.50% 3.50%  
  
  
 3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00% 7.00% 7.00%  
  
  
 6.82% 6.82% 6.82%


195


 Pension Benefits      
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
                  
LG&E 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Discount rate4.13% 4.49% 4.20%  
  
  
  
  
  
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00% 7.00% 7.00%  
  
  
  
  
  
 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 202320222021202320222021
PPL      
Discount rate5.52 %3.35 %2.92 %5.54 %3.54 %2.84 %
Rate of compensation increase3.43 %3.74 %3.76 %3.43 %2.84 %3.75 %
Expected return on plan assets8.25 %7.25 %7.25 %7.38 %6.52 %6.48 %
 
(a)The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.
(b)As of January 1, 2016, WPD began using individual spot rates from the yield curve used to discount the benefit obligation to measure service cost and interest cost. PPL's U.S. plans use a single discount rate derived from an individual bond matching model to measure the benefit obligation, service cost and interest cost. See Note 1 for additional details.

(a)The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.
(PPL and LKE)
 
The following table provides the assumed health care cost trend rates for the years ended December 31:
 2017 2016 2015
PPL and LKE     
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year     
– obligations6.6% 7.0% 6.8%
– cost7.0% 6.8% 7.2%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)     
– obligations5.0% 5.0% 5.0%
– cost5.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate     
– obligations2022
 2022
 2020
– cost2022
 2020
 2020

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care costs trend rate assumption would have had the following effects on the other postretirement benefit plans in 2017:
 202320222021
PPL   
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year   
– obligations6.25 %6.50 %6.25 %
– cost6.50 %6.25 %6.50 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)   
– obligations5.00 %5.00 %5.00 %
– cost5.00 %5.00 %5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate   
– obligations202920292027
– cost202920272027

 One Percentage Point
 Increase Decrease
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation   
PPL$4
 $(4)
LKE3
 (3)

151


196


(PPL)

The funded status of PPL's plans at December 31 was as follows:
 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 2023202220232022
Change in Benefit Obligation    
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$3,333 $3,989 $534 $504 
Service cost34 51 
Interest cost188 144 30 20 
Participant contributions— — 
Plan amendments— — — 
Actuarial (gain) loss179 (1,026)18 (114)
Acquisition (a)— 553 — 163 
Settlements(3)(111)— — 
Gross benefits paid(280)(267)(59)(55)
Benefit Obligation, end of period3,454 3,333 538 534 
Change in Plan Assets    
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period3,149 3,887 417 367 
Actual return on plan assets297 (992)54 (86)
Employer contributions13 16 19 
Participant contributions— — 
Acquisition (a)— 623 — 160 
Settlements(3)(111)— — 
Gross benefits paid(280)(267)(56)(50)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period3,176 3,149 438 417 
Funded Status, end of period$(278)$(184)$(100)$(117)
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of:    
Noncurrent asset$$33 $10 $
Current liability(10)(10)(14)(14)
Noncurrent liability(275)(207)(96)(112)
Net amount recognized, end of period$(278)$(184)$(100)$(117)
Amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax) consist of:    
Prior service cost (credit)$11 $14 $10 $11 
Net actuarial (gain) loss1,017 827 (96)(95)
Total$1,028 $841 $(86)$(84)
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans
$3,312 $3,197   
 Pension Benefits    
 U.S. U.K. Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Change in Benefit Obligation 
  
  
  
  
  
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$4,079
 $3,863
 $7,383
 $8,404
 $591
 $596
Service cost65
 66
 76
 69
 7
 7
Interest cost168
 174
 178
 235
 23
 26
Participant contributions
 
 13
 14
 14
 14
Plan amendments(1) 14
 
 
 8
 
Actuarial (gain) loss233
 214
 293
 484
 4
 11
Settlements(6) (9) (1) 
 
 
Termination benefits1
 
 
 
 
 
Gross benefits paid(251) (243) (345) (357) (59) (64)
Federal subsidy
 
 
 
 1
 1
Currency conversion
 
 622
 (1,466) 
 
Benefit Obligation, end of period4,288
 4,079
 8,219
 7,383
 589
 591
            
Change in Plan Assets 
  
  
  
  
  
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period3,243
 3,227
 7,211
 7,625
 378
 379
Actual return on plan assets437
 189
 480
 979
 54
 25
Employer contributions65
 79
 486
 330
 15
 19
Participant contributions
 
 13
 14
 13
 14
Settlements(6) (9) (1) 
 
 
Gross benefits paid(251) (243) (345) (357) (55) (59)
Currency conversion
 
 646
 (1,380) 
 
Plan assets at fair value, end of period3,488
 3,243
 8,490
 7,211
 405
 378
            
Funded Status, end of period$(800) $(836) $271
 $(172) $(184) $(213)
            
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of: 
  
  
  
  
  
Noncurrent asset$
 $
 $284
 $10
 $2
 $2
Current liability(13) (17) 
 
 (3) (3)
Noncurrent liability(787) (819) (13) (182) (183) (212)
Net amount recognized, end of period$(800) $(836) $271
 $(172) $(184) $(213)
            
Amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax) consist of: 
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service cost (credit)$49
 $59
 $
 $
 $9
 $
Net actuarial (gain) loss1,134
 1,178
 2,755
 2,553
 16
 45
Total (a)$1,183
 $1,237
 $2,755
 $2,553
 $25
 $45
            
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans
$4,000
 $3,807
 $7,542
 $6,780
  
  
(a)Related to the pension and other postretirement plans assumed for the employees of Rhode Island Energy. See Note 9 for additional details on the acquisition of Narragansett Electric.

(a)WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP and as a result, does not record regulatory assets/liabilities.


For PPL's U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plans, the amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 2023202220232022
AOCI$235 $183 $14 $13 
Regulatory assets/liabilities793 658 (100)(97)
Total$1,028 $841 $(86)$(84)
 U.S. Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
AOCI$374
 $357
 $15
 $20
Regulatory assets/liabilities809
 880
 10
 25
Total$1,183
 $1,237
 $25
 $45

The actuarial loss for pension plans in 2023 was primarily related to a change in the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations of those plans. The actuarial gain for pension plans in 2022 was related to a change in the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations of those plans.



197
152


The following tables provide information on pension plans where the projected benefit obligation (PBO) or accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) exceed the fair value of plan assets:
U.S. U.K.
PBO in excess of plan assets PBO in excess of plan assets PBO in excess of plan assets
2017 2016 2017 2016 20232022
Projected benefit obligation$4,288
 $4,079
 $3,083
 $3,403
Fair value of plan assets3,488
 3,243
 3,070
 3,221
       
U.S. U.K.
ABO in excess of plan assets ABO in excess of plan assets
2017 2016 2017 2016ABO in excess of plan assets
20232022
Accumulated benefit obligation$4,000
 $3,807
 $10
 $657
Fair value of plan assets3,488
 3,243
 
 643
 
(LKE)

The funded status of LKE's plans at December 31 was as follows:
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Change in Benefit Obligation 
  
  
  
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$1,669
 $1,588
 $220
 $216
Service cost24
 23
 4
 5
Interest cost68
 71
 9
 9
Participant contributions
 
 8
 7
Plan amendments (a)6
 
 8
 
Actuarial (gain) loss113
 96
 (7) 4
Gross benefits paid (a)(109) (109) (19) (21)
Benefit Obligation, end of period1,771
 1,669
 223
 220
        
Change in Plan Assets 
  
  
  
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period1,315
 1,289
 98
 88
Actual return on plan assets175
 69
 14
 4
Employer contributions21
 66
 15
 20
Participant contributions
 
 8
 7
Gross benefits paid(109) (109) (19) (21)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period1,402
 1,315
 116
 98
        
Funded Status, end of period$(369) $(354) $(107) $(122)
        
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of: 
  
  
  
Noncurrent asset$
 $
 $2
 $2
Current liability(4) (4) (3) (3)
Noncurrent liability(365) (350) (106) (121)
Net amount recognized, end of period$(369) $(354) $(107) $(122)
        
Amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax) consist of: 
  
  
  
Prior service cost$44
 $45
 $13
 $6
Net actuarial (gain) loss434
 436
 (26) (13)
Total$478
 $481
 $(13) $(7)
        
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans
$1,616
 $1,531
  
  
(a)The pension plans were amended in December 2015 to allow active participants and terminated vested participants who had not previously elected a form of payment of their benefit to elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment effective January 1, 2016. The projected


198


benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 increased by $19 million as a result of the amendment. Gross benefits paid by the plans include lump-sum cash payments made to participants during 2017 and 2016 of $50 million and $53 million in connection with these offerings.

The amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
AOCI$144
 $111
 $6
 $8
Regulatory assets/liabilities334
 370
 (19) (15)
Total$478
 $481
 $(13) $(7)

The following tables provide information on pension plans where the projected benefit obligation (PBO) or accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) exceed the fair value of plan assets: 
 PBO in excess of plan assets
 2017 2016
Projected benefit obligation$1,771
 $1,669
Fair value of plan assets1,402
 1,315
    
 ABO in excess of plan assets
 2017 2016
Accumulated benefit obligation$1,616
 $1,531
Fair value of plan assets1,402
 1,315

(LG&E)

The funded status of LG&E's plan at December 31, was as follows:
 Pension Benefits
 2017 2016
Change in Benefit Obligation 
  
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$329
 $326
Service cost1
 1
Interest cost13
 15
Plan amendments (a)6
 
Actuarial (gain) loss11
 15
Gross benefits paid (a)(34) (28)
Benefit Obligation, end of period326
 329
    
Change in Plan Assets 
  
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period318
 297
Actual return on plan assets41
 14
Employer contributions
 35
Gross benefits paid(34) (28)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period325
 318
    
Funded Status, end of period$(1) $(11)
    
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of: 
  
Noncurrent liability$(1) $(11)
Net amount recognized, end of period$(1) $(11)
    
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets (pre-tax) consist of: 
  
Prior service cost$27
 $25
Net actuarial loss92
 110
Total$119
 $135
    
Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan$326
 $329
(PPL Electric)
 


199


(a)
The pension plan was amended in December 2015 to allow active participants and terminated vested participants who had not previously elected a form of payment of their benefit to elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment effective January 1, 2016. The projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 increased by $10 million as a result of the amendment. Gross benefits paid by the plan include lump-sum cash payments made to participants during 2017 and 2016 of$19 million and $14 million in connection with this offering.

LG&E's pension plan had projected and accumulatedAlthough PPL Electric does not directly sponsor any defined benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
In addition to the planplans, it sponsors, LG&E is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of certainplans sponsored by PPL Services based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retirees are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to PPL Electric resulted in assets/(liabilities) at December 31 as follows:
 20232022
Pension$(65)$(34)
Other postretirement benefits(55)(60)
(LG&E)

Although LG&E does not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of plans sponsored by LKE. LG&E is also allocated costs of defined benefitbenefits plans from LKS for defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE. See Note 14 for additional information on costs allocated to LG&E from LKS. These allocations are based on LG&E's participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retired employees of LG&E are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to LG&E resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows:
 2017 2016
Pension$44
 $42
Other postretirement benefits74
 76
(PPL Electric)
Although PPL Electric does not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of plans sponsored by PPL Services based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply in 2015, pension and other postretirement plans were remeasured resulting in adjustments to PPL Electric's allocated balances of $56 million, reflected as a non-cash contribution on the Statement of Equity. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retirees are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to PPL Electric resulted in liabilitiesassets/(liabilities) at December 31 as follows:
20232022
Pension$34 $41 
Other postretirement benefits(44)(41)
 2017 2016
Pension$246
 $281
Other postretirement benefits62
 72

(KU)
 
Although KU does not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of plans sponsored by LKE. KU is also allocated costs of defined benefit plans from LKS for defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE. See Note 14 for additional information on costs allocated to KU from LKS. These allocations are based on KU's participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retired employees of KU are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to KU resulted in liabilitiesassets/(liabilities) at December 31 as follows.
2017 2016 20232022
Pension$36
 $62
Other postretirement benefits32
 40
 
Plan Assets - U.S. Pension Plans
 
(PPL, LKE and LG&E)(PPL)
 
All of PPL's primary legacy pension plan and thequalified pension plans sponsored by LKE are invested in the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust (the Master Trust) that also includes 401(h) accounts that are restricted for certain other postretirement benefit obligations of PPL, RIE and LKE. The investment strategy for the Master Trust is to achieve a risk-adjusted return on a mix of assets that, in combination with PPL's funding policy, will ensure that sufficient assets are available to provide long-term growth and liquidity for benefit payments,


153

while also managing the duration of the assets to complement the duration of the liabilities. The Master Trust benefits from a wide diversification of asset types, investment fund strategies and external investment fund managers, and therefore has no significant concentration of risk.
 
The investment policy of the Master Trust outlines investment objectives and defines the responsibilities of the EBPB, external investment managers, investment advisor and trustee and custodian. The investment policy is reviewed annually by PPL's Board of Directors.


200


 
The EBPB created a risk management framework around the trust assets and pension liabilities. This framework considers the trust assets as being composed of three sub-portfolios: growth, immunizing and liquidity portfolios. The growth portfolio is comprised of investments that generate a return at a reasonable risk, including equity securities, certain debt securities and alternative investments. The immunizing portfolio consists of debt securities, generally with long durations, and derivative positions. The immunizing portfolio is designed to offset a portion of the change in the pension liabilities due to changes in interest rates. The liquidity portfolio consists primarily of cash and cash equivalents.
 
Target allocation ranges have been developed for each portfolio based on input from external consultants with a goal of limiting funded status volatility. The EBPB monitors the investments in each portfolio and seeks to obtain a target portfolio that emphasizes reduction of risk of loss from market volatility. In pursuing that goal, the EBPB establishes revised guidelines from time to time. EBPB investment guidelines as of the end of 20172023 are presented below.
 
The asset allocation for the trust and the target allocation by portfolio at December 31 are as follows:
 Percentage of trust assets 2017
 2017 (a) 2016 
Target Asset
Allocation (a)
Growth Portfolio56% 52% 55%
Equity securities32% 30%  
Debt securities (b)14% 12%  
Alternative investments10% 10%  
Immunizing Portfolio43% 46% 43%
Debt securities (b)39% 43%  
Derivatives4% 3%  
Liquidity Portfolio1% 2% 2%
Total100% 100% 100%
(a)Allocations exclude consideration of a group annuity contract held by the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan.
(b)Includes commingled debt funds, which PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.

(LKE)
 Percentage of trust assets2023
20232022Target Asset
Allocation
Growth Portfolio54 %55 %55 %
Equity securities31 %31 % 
Debt securities (a)12 %13 % 
Alternative investments11 %11 % 
Immunizing Portfolio43 %43 %43 %
Debt securities (a)36 %33 % 
Derivatives (b)%10 % 
Liquidity Portfolio3 %2 %2 %
Total100 %100 %100 %
 
LKE has pension plans, including LG&E's plan, whose assets are invested solely in the Master Trust,(a)Includes commingled debt funds, which is fully disclosed below. The fair value of these plans' assets of $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 represents an interest of approximately 40% and 41% in the Master Trust.PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.
(b)Includes posted collateral to support derivative instruments subject to counterparty risk.
 
(LG&E)


LG&E has a pension plan whose assets are invested solely in the Master Trust, which is fully disclosed below. The fair value154

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)(PPL)
 
The fair value of net assets in the Master Trust by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
   Fair Value Measurements Using   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$301
 $301
 $
 $
 $181
 $181
 $
 $
Equity securities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Equity229
 229
 
 
 152
 152
 
 
U.S. Equity fund measured at NAV (a)364
 
 
 
 272
 
 
 
International equity fund at NAV (a)538
 
 
 
 551
 
 
 
Commingled debt measured at NAV (a)611
 
 
 
 546
 
 
 


201


December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Fair Value Measurements Using   Fair Value Measurements Using TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master TrustPPL Services Corporation Master Trust  
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities:Equity securities:  
U.S. Equity
U.S. Equity fund measured at NAV (a)
Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
International equity fund at NAV (a)
International equity fund at NAV (a)
International equity fund at NAV (a)
Commingled debt measured at NAV (a)
Debt securities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
agency
186
 186
 
 
 381
 381
 
 
Corporate883
 
 870
 13
 850
 
 837
 13
Other10
 
 10
 
 8
 
 8
 
Alternative investments: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Alternative investments:  
Real estate measured at NAV (a)
Real estate measured at NAV (a)
Real estate measured at NAV (a)109
 
 
 
 102
 
 
 
Private equity measured at NAV (a)80
 
 
 
 80
 
 
 
Private credit partnerships measured at NAV (a)
Hedge funds measured at NAV (a)175
 
 
 
 167
 
 
 
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps and swaptions50
 
 50
 
 61
 
 61
 
Other1
 
 1
 
 3
 
 3
 
Insurance contracts24
 
 
 24
 27
 
 
 27
Derivatives
Derivatives
Derivatives
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value
3,561
 $716
 $931
 $37
 3,381
 $714
 $909
 $40
Receivables and payables, net (b)72
 

  
  
 (15)  
  
  
Receivables and payables, net (b)(16)   67   
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations
(145)  
  
  
 (123)  
  
  
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations
(124)  (126)  
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets
$3,488
  
  
  
 $3,243
  
  
  
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets
$3,175   $3,149   
 
(a)In accordance with accounting guidance certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(b)Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

(a)In accordance with accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(b)Receivables and payables, net represents amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 20172023 is as follows:
 
Corporate
debt
 
Insurance
contracts
 Total
Balance at beginning of period$13
 $27
 $40
Actual return on plan assets     
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date
 1
 1
Purchases, sales and settlements
 (4) (4)
Balance at end of period$13
 $24
 $37
Corporate
debt
Balance at beginning of period$16 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(2)
Relating to assets sold during the period
Purchases, sales and settlements(8)
Balance at end of period$10 
 
A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 20162022 is as follows: 
 
Corporate
debt
 
Insurance
contracts
 Total
Balance at beginning of period$10
 $32
 $42
Actual return on plan assets     
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date
 1
 1
Purchases, sales and settlements3
 (6) (3)
Balance at end of period$13
 $27
 $40
Corporate
debt
Balance at beginning of period$20 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(2)
Relating to assets sold during the period
Purchases, sales and settlements(4)
Balance at end of period$16 
 
The fair value measurements of cash and cash equivalents are based on the amounts on deposit.


155

 
The market approach is used to measure fair value of equity securities. The fair value measurements of equity securities (excluding commingled funds), which are generally classified as Level 1, are based on quoted prices in active markets. These securities represent actively and passively managed investments that are managed against various equity indices.
 
Investments in commingled equity and debt funds are categorized as equity securities. Investments in commingled equity funds include funds that invest in U.S. and international equity securities. Investments in commingled debt funds include funds that invest in a diversified portfolio of emerging market debt obligations, as well as funds that invest in investment grade long-duration fixed-income securities.



202



The fair value measurements of debt securities are generally based on evaluations that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information for identical securities or for similar securities, adjusted for observable differences. The fair value of debt securities is generally measured using a market approach, including the use of pricing models, which incorporate observable inputs. Common inputs include benchmark yields, relevant trade data, broker/dealer bid/ask prices, benchmark securities and credit valuation adjustments. When necessary, the fair value of debt securities is measured using the income approach, which incorporates similar observable inputs as well as payment data, future predicted cash flows, collateral performance and new issue data. For the Master Trust, these securities represent investments in securities issued by U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored agencies; investments securitized by residential mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and other pooled loans; investments in investment grade and non-investment grade bonds issued by U.S. companies across several industries; investments in debt securities issued by foreign governments and corporations.
 
Investments in real estate represent an investment in a partnership whose purpose is to manage investments in core U.S. real estate properties diversified geographically and across major property types (e.g., office, industrial, retail, etc.). The manager is focused on properties with high occupancy rates with quality tenants. This results in a focus on high income and stable cash flows with appreciation being a secondary factor. Core real estate generally has a lower degree of leverage when compared with more speculative real estate investing strategies. The partnership has limitations on the amounts that may be redeemed based on available cash to fund redemptions. Additionally, the general partner may decline to accept redemptions when necessary to avoid adverse consequences for the partnership, including legal and tax implications, among others. The fair value of the investment is based upon a partnership unit value.
 
Investments in private equity represent interests in partnerships in multiple early-stage venture capital funds and private equity fund of funds that use a number of diverse investment strategies. The partnerships have limited lives of at least 10 years, after which liquidating distributions will be received. Prior to the end of each partnership's life, the investment cannot be redeemed with the partnership; however, the interest may be sold to other parties, subject to the general partner's approval. The Master Trust has unfunded commitments of $28 million that may be required during the lives of the partnerships. Fair value is based on an ownership interest in partners' capital to which a proportionate share of net assets is attributed.

Investments in private credit represent pools of actively managed loans that span capital structure and borrower type. Strategies carry different types and levels of risk. Returns from those strategies will vary in terms of yield, fees generated, loan loss rates and the pace of principal repayment. Investments have limited lives of approximately 2-8 years. The investment cannot be redeemed with the general partner; however, the interest may be sold to other parties, subject to the general partner’s approval. Fair value is based on an ownership interest in partners’ capital to which a proportionate share of net assets is attributed.
At December 31, 2023, the Master Trust had unfunded commitments of $85 million that may be required during the lives of the real estate, private equity and private credit partnerships.
Investments in hedge funds represent investments in a fund of hedge funds. Hedge funds seek a return utilizing a number of diverse investment strategies. The strategies, when combined, aim to reduce volatility and risk while attempting to deliver positive returns under most market conditions. Major investment strategies for the fund of hedge funds include long/short equity, tactical trading, event driven, and relative value. Shares may be redeemed withinwith 45 days prior written notice. The fund is subject to short term lockups and other restrictions. The fair value for the fund has been estimated using the net asset value per share.
 
The fair value measurements of derivative instruments utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar contracts or market-corroborated inputs. In certain instances, these instruments may be valued using models, including standard option valuation models and standard industry models. These securities primarily represent investments in treasury futures, total return swaps, interest rate swaps and swaptions (the option to enter into an interest rate swap), which are valued based on quoted prices, changes in the value of the underlying exposure or on the swap details, such as swap curves, notional amount, index and term of index, reset frequency, volatility and payer/receiver credit ratings.

Insurance contracts, classified as Level 3, represent an investment in an immediate participation guaranteed group annuity contract. The fair value is based on contract value, which represents cost plus interest income less distributions for benefit payments and administrative expenses.
156

 
Plan Assets - U.S. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans


The investment strategy with respect to other postretirement benefit obligations is to fund VEBA trusts and/or 401(h) accounts with voluntary contributions and to invest in a tax efficient manner. Excluding the 401(h) accounts included in the Master Trust, other postretirement benefit plans are invested in a mix of assets for long-term growth with an objective of earning returns that provide liquidity as required for benefit payments. These plans benefit from diversification of asset types, investment fund strategies and investment fund managers and, therefore, have no significant concentration of risk. Equity securities include investments in domestica large-cap commingled funds.fund and a global equity exchange-traded fund. Ownership interests in commingled funds that invest entirely in debt securities are classified as equity securities, but treated as debt securities for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. Ownership interests in money market funds are treated as cash and cash equivalents for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. The asset allocation for the PPL VEBA trusts excluding LKE, and the target allocation, by asset class, at December 31 are detailed below.

Percentage of plan assetsTarget Asset
Allocation
 202320222023
Asset Class   
Equity securities46 %45 %45 %
Debt securities (a)48 %48 %49 %
Cash and cash equivalents (b)%%%
Total100 %100 %100 %


203


(a)Includes commingled debt funds and debt securities.


 Percentage of plan assets 
Target Asset
Allocation
 2017 2016 2017
Asset Class     
U.S. Equity securities47% 48% 45%
Debt securities (a)49% 50% 50%
Cash and cash equivalents (b)4% 2% 5%
Total100% 100% 100%

(a)(b)Includes commingled debt funds and debt securities.
(b)Includes money market funds.

LKE's other postretirement benefit plan is invested primarily in a 401(h) account, as disclosed in the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust, with insignificant amounts invested in money market funds within VEBA trusts for liquidity.funds.
 
The fair value of assets in the U.S. other postretirement benefit plans by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
  Fair Value Measurement Using   Fair Value Measurement Using Fair Value Measurement UsingFair Value Measurement Using
Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Money market funds$10
 $10
 $
 $
 $5
 $5
 $
 $
U.S. Equity securities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Equity securities:Equity securities:   
Large-cap equity fund measure at NAV (a)123
 
 
 
 123
 
 
 
Commingled debt fund measured at NAV (a)96
 
 
 
 114
 
 
 
Debt securities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Corporate bonds30
 
 30
 
 
 
 
 
Municipalities
 
 
 
 12
 
 12
 
Global equity exchange-traded fund
Long-term bond exchange-traded fund
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value259
 $10
 $30
 $
 254
 $5
 $12
 $
Receivables and payables, net (b)1
  
  
  
 1
  
  
  Receivables and payables, net (b)(12)  (2)   
401(h) account assets145
  
  
  
 123
  
  
  401(h) account assets124   126    
Total other postretirement benefit plan assets$405
  
  
  
 $378
  
  
  Total other postretirement benefit plan assets$438   $417    
 
(a)In accordance with accounting guidance certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(b)Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

(a)In accordance with accounting guidance certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(b)Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Investments in money market funds represent investments in funds that invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade money market instruments, including, but not limited to, commercial paper, notes, repurchase agreements and other evidences of indebtedness with a maturity not exceeding 13 months from the date of purchase. The primary objective of the fund is a level of current income consistent with stability of principal and liquidity. Redemptions can be made daily on this fund.
 
Investments in large-cap equity securities represent investments in a passively managed equity index fund that invests in securities and a combination of other collective funds. Fair value measurements are not obtained from a quoted price in an active market but are based on firm quotes of net asset values per share as provided by the trustee of the fund. Redemptions can be made daily on this fund.
 
Investments in commingled debt securities represent investments in a fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of investment grade long-duration fixed income securities. Redemptions can be made daily on these funds.


Investments in corporate bonds represent investment in a diversified portfolio of investment grade long-duration fixed income securities. The fair value of debt securities are generally based on evaluations that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information for identical securities or for similar securities, adjusted for observable differences.
157
Investments in municipalities represent investments in a diverse mix of tax-exempt municipal securities. The fair value measurements for these securities are based on recently executed transactions for identical securities or for similar securities.



204


Plan Assets - U.K. Pension Plans(PPL)
The overall investment strategy of WPD's pension plans is developed by each plan's independent trustees in its Statement of Investment Principles in compliance with the U.K. Pensions Act of 1995 and other U.K. legislation. The trustees' primary focus is to ensure that assets are sufficient to meet members' benefits as they fall due with a longer term objective to reduce investment risk. The investment strategy is intended to maximize investment returns while not incurring excessive volatility in the funding position. WPD's plans are invested in a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies and fund managers; and therefore, have no significant concentration of risk. Commingled funds that consist entirely of debt securities are traded as equity units, but treated by WPD as debt securities for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. These include investments in U.K. corporate bonds and U.K. gilts.
The asset allocation and target allocation at December 31 of WPD's pension plans are detailed below.
     Target Asset
 Percentage of plan assets Allocation
 2017 2016 2017
Asset Class     
Cash and cash equivalents2% 1% %
Equity securities     
U.K.2% 3% 2%
European (excluding the U.K.)1% 2% 1%
Asian-Pacific1% 2% 1%
North American1% 3% 1%
Emerging markets1% 3% 1%
Global equities16% 6% 10%
Global Tactical Asset Allocation33% 33% 41%
Debt securities (a)37% 41% 38%
Alternative investments6% 6% 5%
Total100% 100% 100%

(a)Includes commingled debt funds.

The fair value of assets in the U.K. pension plans by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
   Fair Value Measurement Using   Fair Value Measurement Using
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents$216
 $216
 $
 $
 $42
 $42
 $
 $
Equity securities measured at NAV (a) : 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.K. companies157
 
 
 
 210
 
 
 
European companies (excluding the U.K.)98
 
 
 
 177
 
 
 
Asian-Pacific companies60
 
 
 
 140
 
 
 
North American companies123
 
 
 
 227
 
 
 
Emerging markets companies62
 
 
 
 209
 
 
 
Global Equities1,335
 
 
 
 466
 
 
 
Other2,807
 
 
 
 2,363
 
 
 
Debt Securities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.K. corporate bonds3
 
 3
 
 2
 
 2
 
U.K. gilts3,137
 
 3,137
 
 2,940
 
 2,940
 
Alternative investments: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Real estate measured at NAV (a)492
 
 
 
 435
 
 
 
Fair value - U.K. pension plans$8,490
 $216
 $3,140
 $
 $7,211
 $42
 $2,942
 $
(a)In accordance with accounting guidance certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.

Except for investments in real estate, the fair value measurements of WPD's pension plan assets are based on the same inputs and measurement techniques used to measure the U.S. pension plan assets described above.



205



Investments in global equity securities represent activelyexchange-traded fund represents a passively-managed pooled investment vehicle that invests in developed market equities and passively managed funds that are measured against various equity indices.

Other comprises a range of investment strategies, which invest in a variety of assets including equities, bonds, currencies, real estate and forestry held in unitized funds, which are considered in the Global Tactical Asset Allocation target.
U.K. corporate bonds include investment grade corporate bonds of companies from diversified U.K. industries.
U.K. gilts include gilts, index-linked gilts and swaps intendedis designed to track a portionthe performance of the plans' liabilities.MSCI World Index. Fair value measurements can be obtained from a quoted price on the exchange. Redemptions can be made daily on this fund.

Investments in real estate represent holdings inlong-term bond exchange-traded fund represents a U.K. unitized fundpassively-managed pooled investment vehicle that owns and manages U.K. industrial and commercial real estate with a strategy of earning current rental income and achieving capital growth. The fair value measurementis designed to track the performance of the fund is based uponBloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, which includes all medium and larger issues of U.S. Government, investment-grade corporate and investment-grade international dollar-denominated bonds that have maturities of greater than 10 years. Fair value measurements can be obtained from a net asset value per share, which is basedquoted price on the value of underlying properties that are independently appraised in accordance with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors valuation standards at least annually with quarterly valuation updates basedexchange. Redemptions can be made daily on recent sales of similar properties, leasing levels, property operations and/or market conditions. The fund may be subject to redemption restrictions in the unlikely event of a large forced sale in order to ensure other unit holders are not disadvantaged.this fund.

Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans(PPL)
 
WhilePPL does not plan to contribute to its pension plans in 2024, as PPL's U.S. defined benefit pension plans have the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements, PPL contributed $145 million to its U.S. pension plans in January 2018. No additional contributions are expected in 2018.requirements.
 
PPL sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. PPL expects to make approximately $13$10 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2018.2024.
 
PPL is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans but has historically funded these plans in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would cause PPL to contribute $14 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2018.2024.
 
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received by PPL.
   Other Postretirement
 Pension 
Benefit
Payment
 
Expected
Federal
Subsidy
2018$260
 $51
 $1
2019269
 51
 
2020268
 50
 1
2021270
 49
 
2022272
 48
 
2023-20271,328
 218
 2
  Other Postretirement
PensionBenefit
Payment
Expected
Federal
Subsidy
2024$299 $52 $— 
2025293 50 — 
2026290 49 — 
2027282 48 — 
2028277 47 — 
2029-20331,322 216 — 
 
(LKE)
While LKE's defined benefit pension plans have the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements, LKE contributed $105 million to its pension plans in January 2018. No additional contributions are expected in 2018.
LKE sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. LKE expects to make $4 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2018.
LKE is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plan but has historically funded this plan in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would cause LKE to contribute a projected $14 million to its other postretirement benefit plan in 2018.


206


The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received by LKE.
   Other Postretirement
 Pension 
Benefit
Payment
 
Expected
Federal
Subsidy
2018$109
 $14
 $
2019113
 15
 
2020114
 16
 1
2021115
 16
 
2022116
 16
 
2023-2027573
 79
 2
(LG&E)
While LG&E's defined benefit pension plan has the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements, LG&E contributed $54 million to its pension plan in January 2018. No additional contributions are expected in 2018.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plan.
 Pension
2018$26
201926
202026
202125
202224
2023-2027104
Expected Cash Flows - U.K. Pension Plans(PPL)
The pension plans of WPD are subject to formal actuarial valuations every three years, which are used to determine funding requirements. Contribution requirements were evaluated in accordance with the valuation performed as of March 31, 2016. WPD expects to make contributions of approximately $191 million in 2018. WPD is currently permitted to recover in current revenues approximately 78% of its pension funding requirements for its primary pension plans.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans.
 Pension
2018$343
2019349
2020353
2021356
2022362
2023-20271,843
Savings Plans(All Registrants)
 
Substantially, all employees of PPL's subsidiaries are eligible to participate in deferred savings plans (401(k)s). Employer contributions to the plans were:
 202320222021
PPL$48 $36 $29 
PPL Electric
LG&E
KU
 2017 2016 2015
PPL$36
 $35
 $34
PPL Electric6
 6
 6
LKE18
 17
 16
LG&E5
 5
 5
KU4
 4
 4



207


Separation Benefits
Certain PPL subsidiaries provide separation benefits to eligible employees. These benefits may be provided in the case of separations due to performance issues, loss of job-related qualifications or organizational changes. These benefits include cash severance payments and a single sum payment approximating the dollar amount of premium payments that would be incurred for continuation of group health and welfare coverage based on an employee's years of service along with outplacement services. Separation benefits are recorded when such amounts are probable and estimable.
See Note 8 for a discussion of separation benefits recognized in 2015 related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply. Separation benefits were not significant in 2017 and 2016.
12. Jointly Owned Facilities

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

At December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the Balance Sheets reflect the owned interests in the facilitiesgenerating plants listed below.
  
Ownership
Interest
 Electric Plant 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Construction
Work
in Progress
PPL and LKE       
 December 31, 2017       
 Generating Plants       
 Trimble County Unit 175.00% $427
 $69
 $1
 Trimble County Unit 275.00% 1,032
 176
 198
         
 December 31, 2016 
  
  
  
 Generating Plants 
  
  
  
 Trimble County Unit 175.00% $407
 $55
 $1
 Trimble County Unit 275.00% 1,026
 161
 83
         
LG&E       
 December 31, 2017       
 Generating Plants       
 E.W. Brown Units 6-738.00% $41
 $17
 $
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 553.00% 52
 15
 
 Trimble County Unit 175.00% 427
 69
 1
 Trimble County Unit 214.25% 215
 36
 102
 Trimble County Units 5-629.00% 32
 9
 
 Trimble County Units 7-1037.00% 73
 21
 
 Cane Run Unit 722.00% 120
 8
 1
 E.W. Brown Solar Unit39.00% 10
 1
 
         
 December 31, 2016 
  
  
  
 Generating Plants 
  
  
  
 E.W. Brown Units 6-738.00% $40
 $15
 $
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 553.00% 55
 12
 1
 Trimble County Unit 175.00% 407
 55
 1
 Trimble County Unit 214.25% 214
 32
 43
 Trimble County Units 5-629.00% 30
 8
 1
 Trimble County Units 7-1037.00% 71
 17
 1
 Cane Run Unit 722.00% 114
 5
 2
 E.W. Brown Solar Unit39.00% 10
 
 

Ownership
Interest
Electric PlantAccumulated
Depreciation
Construction
Work
in Progress
PPL    
 December 31, 2023    
 Trimble County Unit 175.00 %$464 $110 $— 
 Trimble County Unit 275.00 %1,490 300 49 


208
158


Ownership
Interest
Electric PlantAccumulated
Depreciation
Construction
Work
in Progress
 December 31, 2022    
 Trimble County Unit 175.00 %$455 $94 $
 Trimble County Unit 275.00 %1,372 276 148 
LG&E    
 December 31, 2023    
 E.W. Brown Units 6-738.00 %$53 $27 $— 
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 553.00 %52 29 — 
 Trimble County Unit 175.00 %464 110 — 
 Trimble County Unit 214.25 %447 74 25 
 Trimble County Units 5-629.00 %37 17 — 
 Trimble County Units 7-1037.00 %82 39 — 
 Cane Run Unit 722.00 %127 25 
 E.W. Brown Solar Unit39.00 %10 — 
Solar Share44.00 %— — 
Mercer Solar37.00 %— — 
Mill Creek 531.00 %— — 
Brown Wind36.00 %— — — 
 December 31, 2022    
 E.W. Brown Units 6-738.00 %$53 $25 $— 
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 553.00 %51 27 — 
 Trimble County Unit 175.00 %455 94 
 Trimble County Unit 214.25 %384 66 78 
 Trimble County Units 5-629.00 %36 16 — 
 Trimble County Units 7-1037.00 %81 36 — 
 Cane Run Unit 722.00 %126 21 
E.W. Brown Solar Unit39.00 %10 — 
Solar Share44.00 %3— — 
KU    
 December 31, 2023    
 E.W. Brown Units 6-762.00 %$87 $45 $— 
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 547.00 %46 25 — 
 Trimble County Unit 260.75 %1,043 227 24 
 Trimble County Units 5-671.00 %86 41 — 
 Trimble County Units 7-1063.00 %135 65 — 
 Cane Run Unit 778.00 %449 90 10 
E.W. Brown Solar Unit61.00 %16 — 
 Solar Share56.00 %— — 
Mercer Solar63.00 %12— 1
Mill Creek 569.00 %— — 3
Brown Wind64.00 %1— — 
 December 31, 2022    
 E.W. Brown Units 6-762.00 %$87 $42 $— 
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 547.00 %45 23 — 
 Trimble County Unit 260.75 %987 210 70 
 Trimble County Units 5-671.00 %84 38 — 
 Trimble County Units 7-1063.00 %133 61 — 
 Cane Run Unit 778.00 %446 77 
E.W. Brown Solar Unit61.00 %16 — 
Solar Share56.00 %— — 



159

  
Ownership
Interest
 Electric Plant 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
Construction
Work
in Progress
         
KU       
 December 31, 2017       
 Generating Plants       
 E.W. Brown Units 6-762.00% $66
 $27
 $
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 547.00% 46
 13
 
 Trimble County Unit 260.75% 817
 140
 96
 Trimble County Units 5-671.00% 76
 20
 
 Trimble County Units 7-1063.00% 120
 34
 
 Cane Run Unit 778.00% 431
 31
 4
 E.W. Brown Solar Unit61.00% 16
 1
 
         
 December 31, 2016 
  
  
  
 Generating Plants 
  
  
  
 E.W. Brown Units 6-762.00% $65
 $23
 $
 Paddy's Run Unit 13 & E.W. Brown Unit 547.00% 50
 11
 1
 Trimble County Unit 260.75% 812
 129
 40
 Trimble County Units 5-671.00% 74
 19
 
 Trimble County Units 7-1063.00% 121
 29
 1
 Cane Run Unit 778.00% 412
 18
 4
 E.W. Brown Solar Unit61.00% 15
 
 

Each subsidiary owning these interests provides its own funding for its share of the facility. Each receives a portion of the total output of the generating plants equal to its percentage ownership. The share of fuel and other operating costs associated with the plants is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Statements of Income.
 
13. Commitments and Contingencies

(PPL)
All commitments, contingencies and guarantees associated with PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries were retained by Talen Energy and its subsidiaries at the spinoff date without recourse to PPL.
Energy Purchase Commitments

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

LG&E and KU enter into purchase contracts to supply the coal and natural gas requirements for generation facilities and LG&E's retail natural gas supply operations. These contracts include the following commitments:
Contract TypeMaximum Maturity
Date
Contract Type
Maximum Maturity
Date
Natural Gas Fuel20192025
Natural Gas Retail Supply20192024
Coal20232028
Coal Transportation and Fleeting Services20242033
Natural Gas Transportation20262030


209



LG&E and KU have a power purchase agreementPPA with OVEC expiring in June 2040. See footnote (f)(e) to the table in "Guarantees and Other Assurances" below for information on the OVEC power purchase contract, including recent developments in credit or debt conditions relating to OVEC.contract. Future obligations for power purchases from OVEC are unconditional demand payments, comprised of debt-service payments and contractually-required reimbursements of plant operating, maintenance and other expenses, and are projected as follows:
LG&EKUTotal
2024$26 $12 $38 
202524 11 35 
202624 11 35 
202725 11 36 
202822 10 32 
Thereafter175 77 252 
Total$296 $132 $428 
 LG&E KU Total
2018$20
 $9
 $29
201919
 8
 27
202018
 8
 26
202119
 8
 27
202219
 8
 27
Thereafter316
 141
 457
Total$411
 $182
 $593


LG&E and KU had total energy purchases under the OVEC power purchase agreementPPA for the years ended December 31 as follows:
202320222021
LG&E$20 $21 $13 
KU
Total$29 $30 $19 

(PPL)

RIE has several long-term contracts for the purchase of electric power. Substantially all of these contracts require power to be delivered before RIE is obligated to make payment. Additionally, RIE has entered various contracts for gas delivery, storage, and supply services. Certain of these contracts require payment of annual demand charges, which are recoverable from customers. RIE is liable for these payments regardless of the level of service required from third-parties.

These contracts include the following commitments:
Contract Type
Maximum Maturity
Date
Electric power2025
Gas-relatedBeyond 2029



160

 2017 2016 2015
LG&E$14
 $16
 $15
KU6
 7
 7
Total$20
 $23
 $22
RIE’s commitments under these long-term contracts subsequent to December 31, 2023 are summarized in the table below.
Total20242025-20262027-2028Thereafter
Energy Purchase Obligations$1,087 $425 $196 $97 $369 

Long-term Contracts for Renewable Energy (PPL)

Several of the obligations included in the table above relate to certain long-term contracts for renewable energy, including:

the Deepwater Wind PPA, involving a proposal for a small-scale renewable energy generation project of up to eight offshore wind turbines with an aggregate nameplate capacity of up to 30 MW to benefit the Town of New Shoreham and an underwater cable to Block Island, which entered into service in October 2016;
the Three-State Procurement, involving six clean energy long-term contracts pursuant to the Rhode Island Long-Term Contracting Standard (LTCS) of which 36.427 MW is currently operational and with respect to which RIE collects 2.75% remunerations in the annual payments pursuant to the LTCS; and
the Offshore Wind Energy Procurement, pursuant to a 20-year PPA with Deep Water Wind Rev I, LLC (Revolution Wind), with an expected nameplate capacity of 408 MW expected to be operational in 2026; this contract was approved without remuneration but allows RIE to seek costs incurred under the agreement.

In addition, RIE is obligated under the LTCS (as amended in 2014) to annually solicit for renewable projects until 90 MW of renewable contracting capacity has been secured. The RIPUC-approved solicitations currently in service include: (i) a 15-year PPA with Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC for a 3.2 MW nameplate anaerobic digester biogas project located in Johnston, Rhode Island, placed in service in 2017, (ii) a 15-year PPA with Black Bear Development Holdings, LLC for a 3.9 MW nameplate run-of-river hydroelectric plant located in Orono, Maine, placed in service in 2013, (iii) a 15-year PPA with Copenhagen Wind Farm, LLC for an 80 MW nameplate land-based wind project located in Denmark, New York, placed in service in 2018, and (iv) a 15-year PPA with Rhode Island LFG Genco, LLC for a 32.1 MW nameplate combined cycle combustion turbine generating facility fueled by a landfill gas project located in Johnston, Rhode Island, placed in service in 2013. On December 29, 2023, RIE filed an RFP with the RIPUC for approval under LTCS to backfill approximately 17.2 MW of renewable contracting capacity resulting from a terminated PPA to fulfill the required 90 MW under LTCS.

In addition to the LTCS, in October 2023, RIE issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 300 MW to approximately 1,200 MW of newly developed offshore wind energy projects, under the Affordable Clean Energy Security Act (ACES), as amended in 2022. Based on the RFP schedule, RIE anticipates beginning conditional project selection in June 2024. RIE must negotiate in good faith to achieve a commercially reasonable contract and may file such contract with the RIPUC for approval in December 2024, unless RIE shows that the bids are unlikely to lead to a contract that meets all of the statutory and RFP requirements.

As approved by the RIPUC, RIE is allowed to pass through commodity-related/purchased power costs to customers and collect remuneration equal to 2.75% for long-term contracts approved prior to January 1, 2022, pursuant to LTCS as amended in 2022, and that have achieved commercial operation. For long-term contracts approved pursuant to LTCS or ACES, both as amended, on or after January 1, 2022, RIE is entitled to financial remuneration equal to 1.0% through December 31, 2026, for those projects that are commercially operating. For long-term contracts approved pursuant to LTCS or ACES on or after January 1, 2027, RIE is not entitled to any financial remuneration, unless otherwise granted by the RIPUC. Also, the 2022 amendments to LTCS and ACES added a provision, which provides that for any calendar year in which RIE’s actual return on equity exceeds the return on equity allowed by the RIPUC in the last general rate case, the RIPUC may adjust any or all remuneration to assure that such remuneration does not result in or contribute toward RIE earning above its allowed return for such calendar year.

Legal Matters

(All Registrants)

PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. PPL and its subsidiaries cannot predict the outcome of such matters, or whether such matters may result in material liabilities, unless otherwise noted.


WKE Indemnification(


161

Talen Litigation

Background (PPL)

In September 2013, one of PPL's former subsidiaries, PPL Montana, entered into an agreement to sell its hydroelectric generating facilities. In June 2014, PPL and LKE)
See footnote (e)PPL Energy Supply, the parent company of PPL Montana, entered into various definitive agreements with affiliates of Riverstone to spin off PPL Energy Supply and ultimately merge it with Riverstone's competitive power generation businesses to form a stand-alone company named Talen Energy. In November 2014, after executing the spinoff agreements but prior to the tableclosing of the spinoff transaction, PPL Montana closed the sale of its hydroelectric generating facilities. Subsequently, on June 1, 2015, the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply was completed. Following the spinoff transaction, PPL had no continuing ownership interest in "Guaranteesor control of PPL Energy Supply. In connection with the spinoff transaction, PPL Montana became Talen Montana, LLC (Talen Montana), a subsidiary of Talen Energy and Other Assurances" below for information on an LKE indemnity relating to its former WKE lease, including related legal proceedings.Talen Energy Marketing, LLC also became a subsidiary of Talen Energy. Talen Energy has owned and operated both Talen Montana and Talen Energy Marketing, LLC since the spinoff. As a result of the spinoff and merger, affiliates of Riverstone owned a 35% interest in Talen Energy. Riverstone subsequently acquired the remaining interests in Talen Energy in a take private transaction in December 2016.

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

Cane Run Environmental Claims

In December 2013, six residents,October 2018, Talen Montana Retirement Plan and Talen Energy Marketing, LLC filed a putative class action complaint on behalf of themselvescurrent and others similarly situated,contingent creditors of Talen Montana (the Montana Action) who allegedly suffered harm or allegedly will suffer reasonably foreseeable harm as a result of, among other things, the November 2014 allegedly fraudulent transfer of $900 million of proceeds from the sale of then-PPL Montana's hydroelectric generating facilities.

In November 2018, PPL, certain PPL affiliates, and certain current and former officers and directors filed a class action complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware seeking various forms of relief against LG&ERiverstone, Talen Energy and certain of their affiliates (the Delaware Action), in response to the Montana Action and as part of the defense strategy.

Talen Energy Supply, LLC et al. andTalen Montana LLC v. PPL Corp., PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Electric Utilities Corp., and PPL Energy Funding (PPL and PPL Electric)

On May 9, 2022, Talen Energy Supply, LLC and 71 affiliates, including Talen Montana, LLC, filed petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. DistrictBankruptcy Court for the WesternSouthern District of Kentucky alleging violationsTexas (Texas Bankruptcy Court).

On May 10, 2022, Talen Montana, LLC, as debtor-in-possession, filed a complaint initiating an adversary proceeding (Adversary Proceeding) in the Texas Bankruptcy Court against PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, and PPL Energy Funding Corporation. Similar to the litigation in Montana, the Adversary Proceeding sought the recovery of an allegedly fraudulent transfer relating to PPL Montana’s November 2014 sale of hydroelectric assets to Northwestern and subsequent distribution of approximately $900 million of proceeds from that sale, reiterating claims that the parties had already been litigating in Montana and Delaware.

Both the Montana Action and the Delaware Action were transferred to and consolidated in the Texas Bankruptcy Court. PPL filed its Answer and asserted a Counterclaim against the Talen and Riverstone entities, similar to the claims previously asserted in the Delaware Action, and filed a motion for partial summary judgment that was heard on October 31, 2022. Mediation occurred on February 22, 2023 before Judge David R. Jones of the Clean Air Act, RCRA,Texas Bankruptcy Court. The parties were not able to settle the case at that time. On June 14, 2023, the Texas Bankruptcy Court entered an Order denying PPL's motion for partial summary judgment.

A hearing on Riverstone’s motion for summary judgment occurred on August 24, 2023. The court ordered supplemental briefings from each party following the hearing. Defendants filed a second partial motion for summary judgment based on a safe harbor provision in the bankruptcy code on September 29, 2023. On December 22, 2023, PPL announced that it entered into a settlement agreement (Settlement Agreement) with Talen Montana, LLC and common lawaffiliated entities (Talen) to resolve all claims of nuisance, trespass and negligence. These plaintiffs seek injunctive relief and civil penalties, plus costs and attorney fees,made by Talen in Talen Montana, LLC et al. v. PPL Corp. et al, Adv. No 22-09001 pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the alleged statutory violations.Southern District of Texas and arising out of the June 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, which was renamed Talen. Under the common law claims, these plaintiffs seek monetary compensation and punitive damages for property damage and diminished property values for a class consisting of residents within four milesterms of the Cane Run plant. In their individual capacities, these plaintiffs sought compensation for alleged adverse health effects. In July 2014, the courtSettlement Agreement, PPL paid Talen $115 million and Talen dismissed the RCRAall claims against PPL. Separately, PPL and all but one Clean Air Act claim, but declinedRiverstone mutually agreed to dismiss the common law tort claims. In November 2016, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint removing the personal injuryall remaining claims and removing certain previously named plaintiffs. In February 2017, the District Court issued an order dismissing PPL asin a defendant and dismissing the final federal claim against LG&E. On April 13, 2017, the federal District Court issued an order declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction on the state law claims and dismissed the casesettlement in its entirety. On June 16, 2017, the plaintiffs filed a class action complaint in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, against LG&E alleging state law nuisance, negligence and trespass tort claims. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for alleged property damage due to purported plant emissions on behalf of a class of residents within one to three miles of the plant. Proceedings are currently underway regarding potential class certification, for which a decision may occur in late 2018 or in 2019. PPL, LKE and LG&E cannot predict the outcome of this matter. LG&E retired one coal-fired unit at the Cane Run plant in March 2015 and the remaining two coal-fired units at the plant in June 2015.

January 2024. This matter is now concluded.


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(PPL, LKENarragansett Electric Litigation(PPL)

Energy Efficiency Programs Investigation

Narragansett Electric, while under the ownership of National Grid, performed an internal investigation into conduct associated with its energy efficiency programs. On June 27, 2022, the RIPUC opened a new docket (RIPUC Docket No. 22-05-EE) to investigate RIE’s actions and KU)the actions of its National Grid employees during the time RIE was a National Grid USA affiliate being provided services by National Grid USA Service Company, Inc. relating to the manipulation of the reporting of invoices affecting the calculation of past energy efficiency shareholder incentives and the resulting impact on customers. The Rhode Island Attorney General and National Grid USA intervened in the docket.


On January 19, 2023, the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (the Division) filed a motion to dismiss RIPUC Docket No. 22-05-EE without prejudice. As grounds for its motion, the Division stated that sufficient evidence exists in the docket to warrant an independent summary investigation by the Division, to include an audit of RIE, pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws Section 39-4-13. If the Division finds sufficient grounds, the Division may proceed to a formal hearing regarding the matters under investigation pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws Sections 39-4-14 and 39-4-15. Upon the conclusion of its investigation, the Division will provide the RIPUC with a report outlining the Division’s findings and final decision. On January 30, 2023, the Rhode Island Attorney General filed an objection to the Division’s motion to dismiss; RIE and National Grid each filed responses with the RIPUC requesting that any additional action taken by the RIPUC or the Division be considered after National Grid completes its internal investigation report, which National Grid filed with the RIPUC on March 10, 2023. On February 24, 2023, the Division initiated the independent summary investigation that it had referenced in its motion to dismiss. The RIPUC held a hearing on March 28, 2023 to hear oral arguments regarding the Division’s motion to dismiss and subsequently denied the motion. On November 27, 2023, the Division filed testimony recommending the RIPUC disallow a portion of the performance incentive awarded from 2012 through 2021, an amount of approximately $13 million, including interest. On January 19, 2024, the Division and the Rhode Island Attorney General filed their respective briefs recommending that the RIPUC assess financial penalties on the Company. The Division also recommended that the RIPUC consider further regulatory investigations and analysis within each of the energy efficiency dockets from 2012 through 2020, to confirm the accuracy of claimed savings and to document all conduct and actions that would trigger penalties pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-2-8 and 39-1-22. This proceeding remains open and, in parallel, the Division’s summary investigation remains ongoing. At this time, it is not possible to predict the final outcome or determine the total amount of any additional liabilities that may be incurred by RIE in connection with this matter or the Division’s summary investigation. RIE does not expect this matter will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

E.W. Brown Environmental ClaimsAssessment(PPL and KU)

On July 12, 2017, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and the Sierra Club filed a citizen suit complaint against KU in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky alleging discharges at the E.W. Brown plant in violation of the Clean Water Act and the plant's water discharge permit and alleging contamination that may present an imminent and substantial endangerment in violation of the RCRA. The plaintiffs' suit relates to prior notices of intent to file a citizen suit submitted in October and November 2015 and October 2016. These plaintiffs sought injunctive relief ordering KU to take all actions necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act and RCRA, including ceasing the discharges in question, abating effects associated with prior discharges and eliminating the alleged imminent and substantial endangerment. These plaintiffs also sought assessment of civil penalties and an award of litigation costs and attorney fees. On December 28, 2017 the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued an order dismissing the Clean Water Act and RCRA complaints against KU in their entirety. On January 26, 2018, the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. KU is undertaking extensive remedial measures at the E.W. Brown plant including closure of the former ash pond, implementation of a groundwater remedial action plan and performance of a corrective action plan including aquatic study of adjacent surface waters and risk assessment. PPL, LKEThe aquatic study and KU cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
Trimble County Water Discharge Permit
In May 2010, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other environmental groups filedrisk assessment are being undertaken pursuant to a petition2017 agreed Order with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (KEEC) challenging. KU conducted sampling of Herrington Lake in 2017 and 2018. In June 2019, KU submitted to the Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued in April 2010, which covers waterKEEC the required aquatic study and risk assessment, conducted by an independent third-party consultant, finding that discharges from the Trimble County plant. In November 2010,E.W. Brown plant have not had any significant impact on Herrington Lake and that the water in the lake is safe for recreational use and meets safe drinking water standards. On May 31, 2021, the KEEC approved the report and released a response to public comments. On August 6, 2021, KU submitted a Supplemental Remedial Alternatives Analysis report to the KEEC that outlines proposed additional fish, water, and sediment testing. On February 18, 2022, the KEEC provided approval to KU to proceed with the proposed sampling, which commenced in the spring of 2022. On November 17, 2022, KU submitted a Supplemental Performance Monitoring Report to the KEEC finding that there are no significant unaddressed risks to human health or the environment at the plant.KU revised the Supplemental Performance Monitoring Report on June 8, 2023, in response to KEEC comments from April 24, 2023. On September 1, 2023, the KEEC requested KU to propose additional monitoring or remedial measures. KU submitted a revised Supplemental Performance Monitoring and Corrective Action Completion on December 28, 2023. Discussions between KU and the KEEC are ongoing.

Water/Waste(PPL, LG&E and KU)

ELGs

In 2015, the EPA finalized ELGs for wastewater discharge permits for new and existing steam electricity generating facilities. These guidelines require deployment of additional control technologies providing physical, chemical and biological treatment and mandate operational changes including "zero discharge" requirements for certain wastewaters. The implementation date for individual generating stations was to be determined by the states on a case-by-case basis according to criteria provided by the


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EPA. Legal challenges to the final rule were consolidated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In April 2017, the EPA announced that it would grant petitions for reconsideration of the rule. In September 2017, the EPA issued a rule to postpone the compliance date for certain requirements. In October 2020, the EPA published final revisions to its best available technology standards for certain wastewaters and potential extensions to compliance dates (the Reconsideration Rule). In March 2023, the EPA released a proposed rule that would modify the 2020 ELG revisions. The proposed rule would increase the stringency of previous control technology and zero discharge requirements, revise certain exemptions for generating units planned for retirement, and require case-by-case limitations for legacy wastewaters based on the best professional judgment of the state regulators. Compliance with the Reconsideration Rule is required during the pendency of the rulemaking process. The proposed rule is currently under evaluation, but could potentially result in significant operational changes and additional controls for LG&E and KU plants. The ELGs are expected to be implemented by the states or applicable permitting authorities in the course of their normal permitting activities. LG&E and KU are currently implementing responsive compliance strategies and schedules. Certain aspects of these compliance plans and estimates relate to developments in state water quality standards, which are separate from the ELG rule or its implementation. Certain costs are included in the Registrants' capital plans and expected to be recovered from customers through rate recovery mechanisms, but additional costs and recovery will depend on further regulatory developments at the state level.

CCRs

In 2015, the EPA issued a final order upholding the permit,rule governing management of CCRs which was subsequently appealed by the environmental groups. In September 2013, the Franklin Circuit Court reversed the KEEC orderinclude fly ash, bottom ash and remanded the permitsulfur dioxide scrubber wastes. The CCR Rule imposes extensive new requirements for certain CCR impoundments and landfills, including public notifications, location restrictions, design and operating standards, groundwater monitoring and corrective action requirements, and closure and post-closure care requirements, and specifies restrictions relating to the agency for further proceedings. LG&E and the KEEC appealed the order to the Kentucky Courtbeneficial use of Appeals.CCRs. In July 2015,2018, the EPA issued a final rule extending the deadline for closure of certain impoundments and adopting other substantive changes. In August 2018, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheldvacated and remanded portions of the lowerCCR Rule. In December 2019, the EPA addressed certain deficiencies identified by the court ruling. LG&E and proposed amendments to change the KEEC movedclosure deadline. In August 2020, the EPA published a final rule extending the deadline to initiate closure to April 11, 2021, while providing for discretionarycertain extensions. The EPA is conducting ongoing rulemaking actions regarding various other amendments to the rule including potentially making the rule applicable to certain inactive impoundments and landfills not currently subject to the rule. Certain ongoing legal challenges to various provisions of the CCR Rule have been held in abeyance pending review by the Kentucky Supreme Court. In February 2016, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued an order granting discretionary review and oral arguments were held in September 2016. On April 27, 2017, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued an order reversing the decision of the appellate court and upholding the permit issued to LG&E by the KEEC.

Trimble County Landfill
Various state and federal permits and regulatory approvals are required in order to construct a landfill at the Trimble County plant to be used for disposal of CCRs. In October 2016, the Kentucky Division of Water issued a water quality certification and in February 2017, the Kentucky Division of Waste Management issued a "special waste" landfill permit. In March 2017, the Sierra Club and a resident adjacentEPA pursuant to the plant filed administrative challenges to the landfill permit which were subsequently dismissed by agreed order entered in August 2017. In June 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a dredge and fill permit, the final approval required for construction of the landfill.President's executive order. PPL, LKE, LG&E, and KU believeare monitoring the EPA’s ongoing efforts to refine and implement the regulatory program under the CCR Rule. In January 2022, the EPA issued several proposed regulatory determinations, facility notifications, and public announcements which indicate increased scrutiny by the EPA to determine the adequacy of measures taken by facility owners and operators to achieve closure of CCR surface impoundments and landfills. In particular, the agency indicated that it will focus on certain practices which it views as posing a threat of continuing groundwater contamination. On May 18, 2023, the EPA published a proposed rule establishing regulatory requirements for inactive surface impoundments at inactive electricity generation facilities. The EPA proposes to establish groundwater monitoring, corrective action, closure, and post-closure care requirements for all permitsCCR management units at regulated CCR facilities regardless of how or when the CCR was placed. The proposed rule, if finalized, would require PPL to complete applicability determinations, implement site security measures, initiate weekly inspections and monthly monitoring of the impoundment, create a website, and complete hazard assessments and reports for its legacy impoundments within three months of the proposed rule’s effective date. Additionally, the proposed rule could potentially subject management units that have previously completed remedial action and closure and certain beneficial use projects to additional federal regulatory requirements. Future guidance, regulatory determinations, rulemakings, and other developments could potentially require revisions to current LG&E and KU compliance plans including additional monitoring and remediation at surface impoundments and landfills, the cost of which could be substantial. PPL, LG&E and KU are unable to predict the outcome of the ongoing litigation, rulemaking, and regulatory approvalsdeterminations or potential impacts on current LG&E and KU compliance plans. PPL, LG&E and KU are currently finalizing closure plans and schedules in accordance with existing regulations.

In January 2017, Kentucky issued a new state rule relating to CCR management, effective May 2017, aimed at reflecting the requirements of the federal CCR rule. As a result of a subsequent legal challenge, in January 2018, the Franklin County, Kentucky Circuit Court issued an opinion invalidating certain procedural elements of the rule. LG&E and KU presently operate their facilities under continuing permits authorized under the former program and do not currently anticipate material impacts as a result of the judicial ruling. Associated costs are expected to be subject to rate recovery.

LG&E and KU received KPSC approval for a compliance plan providing for the projectclosure of impoundments at the Mill Creek, Trimble County, E.W. Brown, and Ghent stations, and construction of process water management facilities at those plants. In addition to the foregoing measures required for compliance with the federal CCR rule, KU also received KPSC approval for its plans to close impoundments at the retired Green River, Pineville and Tyrone plants to comply with applicable state law. LG&E and federal laws.KU have completed planned closure measures at most of the subject impoundments and have commenced post closure



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groundwater monitoring as required at those facilities. LG&E and KU generally expect to complete all impoundment closures within five years of commencement, although a longer period may be required to complete closure of some facilities. Associated costs are expected to be subject to rate recovery.

In connection with the final CCR rule, LG&E and KU recorded adjustments to existing AROs beginning in 2015 and continue to record adjustments as required. See Note 19 for additional information. Further changes to AROs, current capital plans or operating costs may be required as estimates are refined based on closure developments, groundwater monitoring results, and regulatory or legal proceedings. Costs relating to this rule are expected to be subject to rate recovery.

Superfund and Other Remediation

(All Registrants)


The Registrants are potentially responsible for investigating and remediating contamination under the federal Superfund program and similar state programs. Actions are under way at certain sites including former coal gas manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Kentucky previously owned or operated by, or currently owned by predecessors or affiliates of, PPL subsidiaries.

Depending on the outcome of investigations at identified sites where investigations have not begun or been completed, or developments at sites for which information is incomplete, additional costs of remediation could be incurred. PPL, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU lack sufficient information about such additional sites to estimate any potential liability or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to these sites. Such costs, however, are not currently expected to be significant.

The EPA is evaluating the risks associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naphthalene, chemical by-products of coal gas manufacturing. As a result, individual states may establish stricter standards for water quality and soil cleanup, that could require several PPL subsidiaries to take more extensive assessment and remedial actions at former coal gas manufacturing plants. The Registrants cannot reasonably estimate a range of possible losses, if any, related to these matters.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric is a potentially responsible party for a share of clean-up costs at certain sites. Cleanup actions have been or are being undertaken at these sites as requested by governmental agencies, the costs of which have not been and are not expected to be significant to PPL Electric.

At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, PPL Electric had a recorded liability of $8 million and $11 million, representing its best estimate of the probable loss incurred to remediate these sites.

(PPL)

RIE is a potentially responsible party for a share of clean-up costs at certain sites including former manufactured gas plant (MGP) facilities formerly owned by the Blackstone Valley Gas and Electric Company and the Rhode Island gas distribution assets of the New England Gas division of Southern Union Company and electric operations at certain RIE facilities. RIE is currently investigating and remediating, as necessary, those MGP sites and certain other properties under agreements with governmental agencies, the costs of which have not been and are not expected to be significant to PPL.

At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, RIE had a recorded liability of $99 million and $100 million, representing its best estimate of the remaining costs of environmental remediation activities. These undiscounted costs are expected to be incurred over approximately 30 years and generally to be subject to rate recovery. However, remediation costs for each site may be materially higher than estimated, depending on changing technologies and regulatory standards, selected end uses for each site, and actual environmental conditions encountered. RIE has recovered amounts from certain insurers and potentially responsible parties, and, where appropriate, may seek additional recovery from other insurers and from other potentially responsible parties, but it is uncertain whether, and to what extent, such efforts will be successful.

The RIPUC has approved two settlement agreements that provide for rate recovery of qualified remediation costs of certain contaminated sites located in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Rate-recoverable contributions for electric operations of approximately $3 million are added annually to RIE's Environmental Response Fund, established with RIPUC approval in March 2000 to address such costs, along with interest and any recoveries from insurance carriers and other third-parties. In addition, RIE recovers approximately $1 million annually for gas operations under a distribution adjustment charge in which


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the qualified remediation costs are amortized over 10 years. See Note 7 for additional information on RIE's recorded environmental regulatory assets and liabilities.

Regulatory Issues

See Note 67 for information on regulatory matters related to utility rate regulation.


Electricity - Reliability Standards

The NERC is responsible for establishing and enforcing mandatory reliability standards (Reliability Standards) regarding the bulk electric system in North America. The FERC oversees this process and independently enforces the Reliability Standards.

The Reliability Standards have the force and effect of law and apply to certain users of the bulk electric system, including electric utility companies, generators and marketers. Under the Federal Power Act, the FERC may assess civil penalties for certain violations.


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PPL Electric, LG&E, KU and KURIE monitor their compliance with the Reliability Standards and self-report or self-log potential violations of applicable reliability requirements whenever identified, and submit accompanying mitigation plans, as required. The resolution of a small number of potential violations is pending. Penalties incurred to date have not been significant. Any Regional Reliability Entity (including RFC or SERC) determination concerning the resolution of violations of the Reliability Standards remains subject to the approval of the NERC and the FERC.

In the course of implementing their programs to ensure compliance with the Reliability Standards by those PPL affiliates subject to the standards, certain other instances of potential non-compliance may be identified from time to time. The Registrants cannot predict the outcome of these matters, and cannotan estimate aor range of reasonably possible losses if any.cannot be determined.

Environmental Matters
(All Registrants)
Due to the environmental issues discussed below or other environmental matters, it may be necessary for the Registrants to modify, curtail, replace or cease operation of certain facilities or performance of certain operations to comply with statutes, regulations and other requirements of regulatory bodies or courts. In addition, legal challenges to new environmental permits or rules add to the uncertainty of estimating the future cost of these permits and rules. Finally, the regulatory reviews specified in the President's March 2017 Executive Order (the March 2017 Executive Order) promoting energy independence and economic growth could result in future regulatory changes and additional uncertainty.

WPD's distribution businesses are subject to certain statutory and regulatory environmental requirements. It may be necessary for WPD to incur significant compliance costs, which costs may be recoverable through rates subject to the approval of Ofgem. PPL believes that WPD has taken and continues to take measures to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

LG&E and KU are entitled to recover, through the ECR mechanism, certain costs of complying with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and those federal, state or local environmental requirements applicable to coal combustion wastes and by-products from facilities that generate electricity from coal in accordance with approved compliance plans. Costs not covered by the ECR mechanism for LG&E and KU and all such costs for PPL Electric are subject to rate recovery before the companies' respective state regulatory authorities, or the FERC, if applicable. Because neither WPD nor PPL Electric owns any generating plants, their exposure to related environmental compliance costs is reduced. PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU can provide no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of future environmental or rate proceedings before regulatory authorities.

Air

Gas - Security Directives(PPL LKE,and LG&E and KU)&E)

NAAQS

The Clean Air Act, which regulates air pollutants from mobile and stationary sources in the United States, has a significant impact on the operation of fossil fuel generation plants. Among other things, the Clean Air Act requires the EPA periodically to review and establish concentration levels in the ambient air for six pollutants to protect public health and welfare. The six pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone (contributed to by nitrogen oxide emissions), particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. The established concentration levels for these six pollutants are known as NAAQS. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to reassess the NAAQS on a five-year schedule.

Federal environmental regulations of these six pollutants require states to adopt implementation plans, known as state implementation plans, which detail how the state will attain the standards that are mandated by the relevant law or regulation. Each state identifies the areas within its boundaries that meet the NAAQS (attainment areas) and those that do not (non-attainment areas), and must develop a state implementation plan both to bring non-attainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS and to maintain good air quality in attainment areas. In addition, for attainment of ozone and fine particulates standards, states in the eastern portion of the country, including Kentucky, are subject to a regional program developed by the EPA known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The NAAQS, future revisions to the NAAQS and state implementation plans, or future revisions to regional programs, may require installation of additional pollution controls, the costs of which PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU believe are subject to cost recovery.
Although PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU do not anticipate significant costs to comply with these programs, changes in market or operating conditions could result in different costs than anticipated.


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Ozone
The EPA issued the current ozone standard in October 2015. The states and the EPA are required to determine (based on ambient air monitoring data) those areas that meet the standard and those that are in non-attainment. The EPA was scheduled to designate areas as being in attainment or nonattainment of the current ozone standard by no later than October 2017 which was to be followed by further regulatory proceedings identifying compliance measures and deadlines. However, the current implementation and compliance schedule is uncertain because the EPA failed to make nonattainment demonstrations by the applicable deadline. In addition, some industry groups have requested the EPA to defer implementation of the 2015 ozone standard, but the EPA has not yet acted on this request. While implementation of the 2015 ozone standard could potentially require the addition of SCRs at some LG&E and KU generating units, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU are currently unable to determine what the compliance measures and deadlines may ultimately be with respect to the new standard.

States are also obligated to address interstate transport issues associated with ozone standards through the establishment of "good neighbor" state implementation plans for those states that are found to contribute significantly to another state's non-attainment. As a result of a partial consent decree addressing claims regarding federal implementation, the EPA and several states, including Kentucky, are evaluating the need for further nitrogen oxide reductions from fossil-fueled plants to address interstate impacts. While PPL, LKE, LG&E, and KU are unable to predict the outcome of ongoing and future evaluations by the EPA and the states, such evaluations could potentially result in requirements for nitrogen oxide reductions beyond those currently required under the Cross State Air Pollution Rule.

Sulfur Dioxide

In 2010, the EPA issued the current NAAQS for sulfur dioxide and required states to identify areas that meet those standards and areas that are in "non-attainment". In July 2013, the EPA finalized non-attainment designations for parts of the country, including part of Jefferson County in Kentucky. Attainment must be achieved by 2018. As a result of scrubber replacements completed by LG&E at the Mill Creek plant in 2016, all Jefferson County monitors now indicate compliance with the sulfur dioxide standards. Additionally, LG&E accepted a new sulfur dioxide emission limit to ensure continuing compliance with the NAAQS. PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU do not anticipate any further measures to achieve compliance with the new sulfur dioxide standards.

Climate Change
There is continuing world-wide attention focused on issues related to climate change. In June 2016, President Obama announced that the United States, Canada and Mexico established the North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership Plan, which specifies actions to promote clean energy, address climate change and protect the environment. The plan includes a goal to provide 50% of the energy used in North America from clean energy sources by 2025. The plan does not impose any nation-specific requirements.


In December 2015, 195 nations, includingMay and July of 2021, the U.S., signed the Paris Agreement on Climate, which establishes a comprehensive framework for the reductionDepartment of GHG emissions from both developed and developing nations. Although the agreement does not establish binding reduction requirements, it requires each nation to prepare, communicate, and maintain GHG reduction commitments. Reductions can be achieved in a variety of ways, including energy conservation, power plant efficiency improvements, reduced utilization of coal-fired generation or replacing coal-fired generation with natural gas or renewable generation. Based on the EPA's rules issued in 2015 imposing GHG emission standards for both new and existing power plants, the U.S. committed to an initial reduction target of 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025. However, on June 1, 2017, President Trump announced a plan to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and undertake negotiations to reenter the current agreement or enter a new agreement on terms more favorable to the U.S. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, any U.S. withdrawal would not be complete until November 2020.

Additionally, the March 2017 Executive Order directed the EPA to review its 2015 greenhouse gas rules for consistency with certain policyHomeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released two security directives and suspend, revise, or rescind those rules as appropriate. The March 2017 Executive Order also directs rescission of specified guidance, directives, and prior Presidential actions regarding climate change. PPL, LKE, LG&E, and KU cannot predict the outcome of such regulatory actions or the impact, if any, on plant operations, rate treatment or future capital or operating needs.

The U.K. has enacted binding carbon reduction requirements that are applicable to WPD. Under the U.K. law, WPD must purchase carbon allowances to offset emissions associated with WPD's operations. The cost of these allowances is not significant and is included in WPD's current operating expenses.


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The EPA's Rules under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act

There continues to be uncertainty around the EPA's regulation of existing coal-fired power plants. In 2015 the EPA had finalized rules imposing GHG emission standards for both new and existing power plants and had proposed a federal implementation plan that would apply to any states that failed to submit an acceptable state implementation plan to reduce GHG emissions on a state-by-state basis (the 2015 EPA Rules).

Following legal challenges to the 2015 EPA Rules, a stay of those rules by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the President's March 2017 Executive Order (requiring the EPA to review the 2015 EPA Rules), however, in October 2017, the EPA proposed to rescind the 2015 EPA Rules and in December 2017, released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for a replacement rule (Replacement Rules) which contemplates GHG reductions based on "inside the fence" measures implemented at individual plants. The contemplated approach in the Replacement Rules is a more limited approach than that taken in the 2015 EPA Rules which had included assumed increased levels of fuel switching and renewable energy in determining the level of emission reduction required by each state. At present, the 2015 EPA Rules remain stayed and the Replacement Rules have not yet been published.
In April 2014, the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation limiting the measures that the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet may consider in setting performance standards to comply with the 2015 EPA Rules, if enacted. The legislation provides that such state GHG performance standards will be based on emission reductions, efficiency measures and other improvements available at each power plant, rather than renewable energy, end-use energy efficiency, fuel switching and re-dispatch. These statutory restrictions are consistent with the EPA's notice of proposed rulemaking on the Replacement Rules.

LG&E and KU are monitoring developments at the state and federal level. Until there is more clarity about the potential requirements that may be imposed under the Replacement Rules and Kentucky's implementation plan, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict the potential impact, if any, on plant operations, future capital or operating costs. PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU believe that the costs, which could be significant, would be subject to rate recovery.

Sulfuric Acid Mist Emissions(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

In June 2016, the EPA issued a notice of violation under the Clean Air Act alleging that LG&E violated applicable rules relating to sulfuric acid mist emissions at its Mill Creek plant. The notice alleges failure to install proper controls, failure to operate the facility consistent with good air pollution control practice, and causing emissions exceeding applicable requirements or constituting a nuisance or endangerment. LG&E believes it has complied with applicable regulations during the relevant time period. Discussions between the EPA and LG&E are ongoing. The parties have entered into a tolling agreement with respect to this matter through December 2018. PPL, LKE and LG&E are unable to predict the outcome of this matter or the potential impact on operations of the Mill Creek plant, including increased capital or operating costs, and potential civil penalties or remedial measures, if any.

Water/Waste

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
CCRs
In April 2015, the EPA published its final rule regulating CCRs. CCRs include fly ash, bottom ash and sulfur dioxide scrubber wastes. The rule became effective in October 2015. It imposes extensive new requirements, including location restrictions, design and operating standards, groundwater monitoring and corrective action requirements, and closure and post-closure care requirements on CCR impoundments and landfills that are located on active power plants in the United States and not closed. Under the rule, CCRs are regulated as non-hazardous under Subtitle D of RCRA and beneficial use of CCRs is allowed, with some restrictions. The rule's requirements for covered CCR impoundments and landfills include implementation of groundwater monitoring and commencement or completion of closure activities generally between three and ten years from certain triggering events. The rule requires posting of compliance documentation on a publicly accessible website. Industry groups, environmental groups, individual companies and others have filed legal challenges to the final rule, which are pending before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The EPA has advised the court that it expects to reconsider certain aspects of the CCR Rule in the near future.



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In January 2017, Kentucky issued a new state rule relating to CCR matters, effective May 2017, aimed at reflecting the requirements of the federal CCR Rule. In May 2017, a resident adjacent to LG&E's and KU's Trimble County plant filed a lawsuit in Franklin County, Kentucky Circuit Court against the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet and LG&E seeking to invalidate the new rule. On January 31, 2018, the state court issued an opinion invalidating certain elements of the new rule. PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the litigation. LG&E and KU presently operate their Trimble County facilities under continuing permits authorized via the former program and do not currently anticipate material impacts as a result of the challenge to the new rule. Separately, in December 2016, federal legislation was enacted that authorized the EPA to approve equally protective state programs that would operate in lieu of the CCR Rule. The Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet indicated it may propose rules under such authority in the future.

LG&E and KU received KPSC approval for a compliance plan providing for construction of additional landfill capacity at the E.W. Brown station, closure of impoundments at the Mill Creek, Trimble County, E.W. Brown, and Ghent stations, and construction of process water management facilities at those plants. In addition to the foregoing measures required for compliance with federal CCR rule requirements, KU also received KPSC approval for its plans to close impoundments at the retired Green River, Pineville and Tyrone plants to comply with applicable state law requirements. See Note 6 for additional information.
In connection with the final CCR rule, LG&E and KU recorded adjustments to existing AROs during 2015, 2016 and 2017. See Note 19 for additional information. Further changes to AROs, current capital plans or operating costs may be required as estimates are refined based on closure developments, groundwater monitoring results, and regulatory or legal proceedings. Costs relating to this rule are subject to rate recovery.
Clean Water Act
Regulations under the federal Clean Water Act dictate permitting and mitigation requirements for facilities and construction projects in the United States. Many of those requirements relate to power plant operations, including requirements related to the treatment of pollutants in effluents prior to discharge, the temperature of effluent discharges and the location, design and construction of cooling water intake structures at generating facilities, standards intended to protect aquatic organisms that become trapped at or pulled through cooling water intake structures at generating facilities. The requirements could impose significant costs for LG&E and KU, which are subject to rate recovery.

ELGs
In September 2015, the EPA released its final ELGs for wastewater discharge permits for new and existing steam electric generating facilities. The rule provides strict technology-based discharge limitations for control of pollutants in scrubber wastewater, fly ash and bottom ash transport water, mercury control wastewater, gasification wastewater and combustion residual leachate. The new guidelines require deployment of additional control technologies providing physical, chemical and biological treatment of wastewaters. The guidelines also mandate operational changes including "no discharge" requirements for fly ash and bottom ash transport waters and mercury control wastewaters. The implementation date for individual generating stations will be determined by the states on a case-by-case basis according to criteria provided by the EPA. Industry groups, environmental groups, individual companies and others have filed legal challenges to the final rule, which have been consolidated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In April 2017, the EPA announced that it would grant petitions for reconsideration of the rule. In September 2017, the EPA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would postpone the compliance date for requirements relating to bottom ash transport waters and scrubber wastewaters discharge limits. The EPA expects to complete its reconsideration of best available technology standards by the fall of 2020. Upon completion of the ongoing regulatory proceedings, the rule will be implemented by the states in the course of their normal permitting activities. LG&E and KU are developing compliance strategies and schedules. PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU are unable to predict the outcome of the EPA's pending reconsideration of the rule or fully estimate compliance costs or timing. Additionally, certain aspects of these compliance plans and estimates relate to developments in state water quality standards, which are separate from the ELG rule or its implementation. Costs to comply with ELGs or other discharge limits, which are expected to be significant, are subject to rate recovery.
Seepages and Groundwater Infiltration
Seepages or groundwater infiltration have been detected at active and retired wastewater basins and landfills at various LG&E and KU plants. LG&E and KU have completed, or are completing, assessments of seepages or groundwater infiltration at various facilities and have completed, or are working with agencies to implement, further testing, monitoring or abatement measures, where applicable. A range of reasonably possible costs cannot currently be estimated. Depending on the circumstances in each case, certain costs, which may be subject to rate recovery, could be significant.


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(All Registrants)
Other Issues
In June 2016, the "Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act" took effect as an amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). The Act made no changes to the pre-existing TSCA rules as it pertains to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). The EPA continues to reassess its PCB regulations as part of the 2010 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). The EPA's ANPRM rulemaking is to occur in two phases. Only the second part of the rule, currently scheduled for November 2017, is applicable to PPL operations. This part of the rule relates to the use of PCBs in electrical equipment and natural gas pipelines, as well as continued use of PCB-contaminated porous surfaces. Although the first rulemaking will not directly affect the Registrants' operations, it may indicate certain approaches or principles to occur in the later rulemaking which may affect Registrants' facilities in the United States, including phase-out of some or all equipment containing PCBs. Should such a phase-out be required, the costs, which are subject to rate recovery, could be significant.
Superfund and Other Remediation

PPL Electric is potentially responsible for a share of the costs at several sites listed by the EPA under the federal Superfund program, including the Columbia Gas Plant site and the Brodhead site. Clean-up actions have been or are being undertaken at all of these sites, the costs of which have not been, and are not expected to be, significant to PPL Electric.

PPL Electric, LG&E and KU are investigating, responding to agency inquiries, taking various measures, remediating, or have completed the remediation of, for several sites that were not addressed under a regulatory program such as Superfund, but for which PPL Electric, LG&E and KU may be liable for remediation. These include a number of former coal gas manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania and Kentucky previously owned or operated or currently owned by predecessors or affiliates of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU. To date, the costs of these sites have not been significant.

There are additional sites, formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric, LG&E and KU predecessors or affiliates. PPL Electric, LG&E and KU lack sufficient information on such additional sites and are therefore unable to estimate any potential liability they may have or a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to these matters.

At December 31, 2017, PPL Electric had a recorded liability of $10 million representing its best estimate of the probable loss incurred to remediate the sites noted above. Depending on the outcome of investigations at sites where investigations have not begun or been completed, or developments at sites for which information is incomplete, additional costs of remediation could be incurred; however, such costs are not expected to be significant.
The EPA is evaluating the risks associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naphthalene, chemical by-products of coal gas manufacturing. As a result of the EPA's evaluation, individual states may establish stricter standards for water quality and soil cleanup. This could require several PPL subsidiaries to take more extensive assessment and remedial actions at former coal gas manufacturing plants. PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to these matters.

From time to time, PPL's subsidiaries in the United States undertake testing, monitoring or remedial action in response to notices of violations, spills or other releases at various on-site and off-site locations, negotiate with the EPA and state and local agencies regarding actions necessary for compliance with applicable requirements, negotiate with property owners and other third parties alleging impacts from PPL's operations and undertake similar actions necessary to resolve environmental matters that arise in the course of normal operations. Based on analyses to date, resolution of these environmental matters is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the operations of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU.
Future cleanup or remediation work at sites under review, or at sites not yet identified, may result in significant additional costs for PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU. Insurance policies maintained by LKE, LG&E and KU may be applicable to certain notified owners and operators of natural gas pipeline facilities (including local distribution companies) that the TSA has determined to be critical. The TSA has determined that LG&E is within the scope of the costs or other obligations relateddirective, while RIE has not been notified of this distinction. The first security directive required notified owners/operators to these matters butimplement cybersecurity incident reporting to the amountDHS, designate a cybersecurity coordinator, and perform a gap assessment of insurance coverage or reimbursement cannot be estimated or assured.


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Other

Labor Union Agreements

(PPL and PPL Electric)

In March 2017, members2023, requires refinement of the IBEW ratified a new five-year labor agreement with PPL. The contract covers nearly 1,400 employeescybersecurity implementation plan and was effective May 22, 2017. The terms of the new labor agreement arecybersecurity assessment plan. LG&E does not expected tobelieve the security directives have had or will have a significant impact on theLG&E’s operations or financial results of PPL or PPL Electric.condition.


(LKE and KU)Other

In August 2017, KU and the United Steelworkers of America ratified a three-year labor agreement through August 2020. The agreement covers approximately 54 employees. The terms of the new labor agreement do not have a significant impact on the financial results of LKE or KU.

(LKE and LG&E)

In November 2017, LG&E and the IBEW ratified a three-year labor agreement through November 2020. The agreement covers approximately 671 employees. The terms of the new labor agreement do not have a significant impact on the financial results of LKE or LG&E.

The Registrants cannot predict the outcome of future union labor negotiations.

Guarantees and Other Assurances

(All Registrants)

In the normal course of business, the Registrants enter into agreements that provide financial performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. SuchExamples of such agreements include for example, guarantees, stand-by letters of credit issued by financial institutions and surety bonds issued by insurance companies. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis or to facilitate the commercial activities in which these subsidiaries engage.

(PPL)

PPL fully and unconditionally guarantees all of the debt securitiesobligations of PPL Capital Funding.

(All Registrants)

The table below details guarantees provided as of December 31, 2017.2023. "Exposure" represents the estimated maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required to be made under the guarantee. The Registrants believe the probability of expected payment/performance under each of these guarantees is remote, except for "WPD guaranteethe guarantees and indemnifications related


166

to the sale of unconsolidated entities" and "IndemnificationSafari Holdings, which PPL believes are reasonably possible but not probable of lease termination and other divestitures." The total recorded liability at December 31, 2017 was $17 million for PPL and $11 million for LKE. The $11 million recorded at LKE represents the settlement amount related to WKE's excess power matter. See footnote (e) for additional information. The total recorded liability at December 31, 2016 was $22 million for PPL and $17 million for LKE. occurring.For reporting purposes, on a consolidated basis, allthe guarantees of PPL Electric, LKE,include the guarantees of its subsidiary Registrants.
Exposure at December 31, 2023Expiration
Date
PPL   
Indemnifications related to certain tax liabilities related to the sale of the U.K. utility business£50 (a)2028
PPL guarantee of Safari payment obligations under certain sale/leaseback financing transactions related to the sale of Safari Holdings$124 (b)2028
PPL guarantee of Safari payment obligations under certain PPAs related to the sale of Safari Holdings33 (c)
Indemnifications for losses suffered related to items not covered by Aspen Power's representation and warranty insurance associated with the sale of Safari Holdings140 (d)Various
LG&E and KU   
LG&E and KU obligation of shortfall related to OVEC (e) 

(a)PPL WPD Limited entered into a Tax Deed dated June 9, 2021 in which it agreed to a tax indemnity regarding certain potential tax liabilities of the entities sold with respect to periods prior to the completion of the sale, subject to customary exclusions and limitations. Because National Grid Holdings One plc, the buyer, agreed to purchase indemnity insurance, the amount of the cap on the indemnity for these liabilities is £1, except with respect to certain surrenders of tax losses, for which the amount of the cap on the indemnity is £50 million.
(b)PPL guaranteed the payment obligations of Safari under certain sale/leaseback financing transactions executed by Safari. These guarantees will remain in place until Safari exercises its option to buy-out the projects under the sale/leaseback financings by the year 2028. Safari will indemnify PPL for any payments made by PPL or claims against PPL under the sale/leaseback transaction guarantees up to $25 million.
(c)PPL guaranteed the payment obligations of Safari under certain PPAs executed by Safari. PPL's guarantee was terminated on January 8, 2024.
(d)Aspen Power has obtained representation and warranty insurance, therefore, PPL generally has no liability for its representations and warranties under the agreement except for losses suffered related to items not covered. Expiration of these indemnifications range from 18 months to 6 years from the date of the closing of the transaction, and PPL’s aggregate liability for these claims will not exceed $140 million subject to certain adjustments plus the support obligations provided by PPL under sale-leaseback financings and PPAs that will be replaced by Aspen Power. PPL's support obligations related to the PPAs were replaced by Aspen Power and terminated on January 8, 2024.
(e)Pursuant to the OVEC power purchase contract, LG&E and KU also applyare obligated to PPL,pay for their share of OVEC's excess debt service, post-retirement and all guaranteesdecommissioning costs, as well as any shortfall from amounts included within a demand charge designed and expected to cover these costs over the term of the contract. PPL's proportionate share of OVEC's outstanding debt was $87 million at December 31, 2023, consisting of LG&E&E's share of $60 million and KU also apply to LKE.KU's share of $27 million. The maximum exposure and the expiration date of these potential obligations are not presently determinable. See "Energy Purchase Commitments" above for additional information on the OVEC power purchase contract.


217


 Exposure at
December 31, 2017
 
Expiration
Date
PPL   
Indemnifications related to the WPD Midlands acquisition 
(a) 
WPD indemnifications for entities in liquidation and sales of assets$11
(b)2020
WPD guarantee of pension and other obligations of unconsolidated entities95
(c) 
PPL Electric   
Guarantee of inventory value16
(d)2018
LKE   
Indemnification of lease termination and other divestitures201
(e)2021-2023
LG&E and KU   
LG&E and KU guarantee of shortfall related to OVEC 
(f) 

(a)
Indemnifications related to certain liabilities, including a specific unresolved tax issue and those relating to properties and assets owned by the seller that were transferred to WPD Midlands in connection with the acquisition. A cross indemnity has been received from the seller on the tax issue. The maximum exposure and expiration of these indemnifications cannot be estimated because the maximum potential liability is not capped and the expiration date is not specified in the transaction documents.
(b)
Indemnification to the liquidators and certain others for existing liabilities or expenses or liabilities arising during the liquidation process. The indemnifications are limited to distributions made from the subsidiary to its parent either prior or subsequent to liquidation or are not explicitly stated in the agreements. The indemnifications generally expire two to seven years subsequent to the date of dissolution of the entities. The exposure noted only includes those cases where the agreements provide for specific limits.

In connection with their sales of various businesses, WPD and its affiliates have provided the purchasers with indemnifications that are standard for such transactions, including indemnifications for certain pre-existing liabilities and environmental and tax matters or have agreed to continue their obligations under existing third-party guarantees, either for a set period of time following the transactions or upon the condition that the purchasers make reasonable efforts to terminate the guarantees. Additionally, WPD and its affiliates remain secondarily responsible for lease payments under certain leases that they have assigned to third parties.
(c)
Relates to certain obligations of discontinued or modified electric associations that were guaranteed at the time of privatization by the participating members. Costs are allocated to the members and can be reallocated if an existing member becomes insolvent. At December 31, 2017, WPD has recorded an estimated discounted liability for which the expected payment/performance is probable. Neither the expiration date nor the maximum amount of potential payments for certain obligations is explicitly stated in the related agreements, and as a result, the exposure has been estimated.
(d)A third party logistics firm provides inventory procurement and fulfillment services. The logistics firm has title to the inventory, however, upon termination of the contracts, PPL Electric has guaranteed to purchase any remaining inventory that has not been used or sold. In January 2018, this agreement was superseded by a new contract which extends the guarantee until 2020.
(e)
LKE provides certain indemnifications covering the due and punctual payment, performance and discharge by each party of its respective obligations. The most comprehensive of these guarantees is the LKE guarantee covering operational, regulatory and environmental commitments and indemnifications made by WKE under a 2009 Transaction Termination Agreement. This guarantee has a term of 12 years ending July 2021, and a maximum exposure of $200 million, exclusive of certain items such as government fines and penalties that may exceed the maximum. Another WKE-related LKE guarantee formerly covered other indemnifications related to the purchase price of excess power, had a term expiring in 2023, and a maximum exposure of $100 million, which excess power matter and related indemnifications had been the subject of a dispute and legal proceeding among the parties. In December 2017, the parties executed settlement agreements which resolved all claims relating to the excess power matter, and terminated such guarantee, for $11 million. Additionally, LKE has indemnified various third parties related to historical obligations for other divested subsidiaries and affiliates. The indemnifications vary by entity and the maximum exposures range from being capped at the sale price to no specified maximum. LKE could be required to perform on these indemnifications in the event of covered losses or liabilities being claimed by an indemnified party. LKE cannot predict the ultimate outcomes of the various indemnification scenarios, but does not expect such outcomes to result in significant losses above the amounts recorded.
(f)
Pursuant to the OVEC power purchase contract, LG&E and KU are obligated to pay for their share of OVEC's excess debt service, post-retirement and decommissioning costs, as well as any shortfall from amounts included within a demand charge designed and expected to cover these costs over the term of the contract. LKE's proportionate share of OVEC's outstanding debt was $117 million at December 31, 2017, consisting of LG&E's share of $81 million and KU's share of $36 million. The maximum exposure and the expiration date of these potential obligations are not presently determinable. See "Energy Purchase Commitments" above for additional information on the OVEC power purchase contract. In connection with recent credit market related developments at OVEC or certain of its sponsors, such parties, including LG&E and KU, have allowed implementation of a limited, partial OVEC reserve fund for debt costs and are analyzing certain potential additional credit support actions to preserve OVEC's access to credit markets or mitigate risks or adverse impacts relating thereto, including increased interest costs and accelerated maturities of OVEC's existing short and long-term debt. The ultimate outcome of these matters, including any potential impact on LG&E's and KU's obligations relating to OVEC debt under the power purchase contract cannot be predicted.


The Registrants provide other miscellaneous guarantees through contracts entered into in the normal course of business. These guarantees are primarily in the form of indemnification or warranties related to services or equipment and vary in duration. The amounts of these guarantees often are not explicitly stated, and the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such guarantees cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, no significant payments have been made with respect to these types of guarantees and the probability of payment/performance under these guarantees is remote.

PPL, on behalf of itself and certain of its subsidiaries, maintains insurance that covers liability assumed under contract for bodily injury and property damage. The coverage provides maximum aggregate coverage of $225 million. This insurance may be applicable to obligations under certain of these contractual arrangements.



218


14. Related Party Transactions


PLR Contracts/Purchases of Accounts Receivable(PPL Electric)

PPL Electric holds competitive solicitations for PLR generation supply. PPL EnergyPlus was awarded a portion of the PLR generation supply through these competitive solicitations. The purchases from PPL EnergyPlus are included in PPL Electric's Statements of Income as "Energy purchases from affiliate" through May 31, 2015, the period through which PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus were affiliated entities. As a result of the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply and creation of Talen Energy, PPL EnergyPlus (renamed Talen Energy Marketing) is no longer an affiliate of PPL Electric. PPL Electric's purchases from Talen Energy Marketing subsequent to May 31, 2015 are included as purchases from an unaffiliated third party.
PPL Electric's customers may choose an alternative supplier for their generation supply. See Note 1 for additional information regarding PPL Electric's purchases of accounts receivable from alternative suppliers, including Talen Energy Marketing. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply.

Wholesale Sales and Purchases(LG&E and KU)

LG&E and KU jointly dispatch their generation units with the lowest cost generation used to serve their retail customers. When LG&E has excess generation capacity after serving its own retail customers and its generation cost is lower than that of KU, KU purchases electricity from LG&E and vice versa. These transactions are reflected in the Statements of Income as "Electric revenue from affiliate" and "Energy purchases from affiliate" and are recorded at a price equal to the seller's fuel cost plus any split savings. Savings realized from such intercompany transactions are shared equally between both companies. The volume of energy each company has to sell to the other is dependent on its retail customers' needs and its available generation.

Support Costs(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL Services, PPL EU Services and LKS provide and, prior to its merger into PPL Services on December 31, 2021, PPL Electric and LKE,EU Services provided the Registrants, their respective subsidiaries including LG&E and KU, and each other with administrative, management and support services. For all serviceservices companies, the costs of thesedirectly assignable and attributable services are charged to the respective recipients as direct support costs. General costs that cannot be directly attributed to a specific entity are allocated and charged to the respective recipients as indirect support costs. PPL Services, and PPL EU Services and LKS use a three-factor methodology that includes the


167

applicable recipients' invested capital, operation and maintenance expenses and number of employees to allocate indirect costs. PPL Services may also use a ratio of overall direct and indirect costs.costs or a weighted average cost ratio. LKS bases its indirect allocations on the subsidiaries' number of employees, total assets, revenues, number of customers and/or other statistical information. PPL Services, PPL EU Services and LKS charged the following amounts for the years ended December 31, including amounts applied to accounts that are further distributed between capital and expense on the books of the recipients, based on methods that are believed to be reasonable.
 202320222021
PPL Electric from PPL Services$222 $241 $54 
PPL Electric from PPL EU Services— — 222 
LG&E from LKS115 153 169 
LG&E from PPL Services42 13 
KU from LKS150 171 179 
KU from PPL Services48 14 
 2017 2016 2015
PPL Electric from PPL Services$182
 $132
 $125
LKE from PPL Services20
 18
 16
PPL Electric from PPL EU Services64
 69
 60
LG&E from LKS169
 178
 155
KU from LKS190
 194
 185

In addition to the charges for services noted above, LKS makes payments on behalf of LG&E and KU for fuel purchases and other costs for products or services provided by third parties. LG&E and KU also provide services to each other and to LKS. Billings between LG&E and KU relate to labor and overheads associated with union and hourly employees performing work for the other company, charges related to jointly-owned generating units and other miscellaneous charges. Tax settlements between LKEPPL and LG&E and KU are reimbursed through LKS.

Intercompany Borrowings


(PPL Electric)


PPL Energy FundingCEP Reserves maintains a $400$500 million revolving line of credit with a PPL Electric subsidiary. No balance was outstanding atAt December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022, CEP Reserves had no borrowings outstanding. The interest rates on borrowings are equal to one-month LIBORSOFR plus a spread. Interest income is reflected in "Interest Income from Affiliate" on the revolving line of credit was not significant for 2017, 2016 or 2015.Income Statements.



(LG&E and KU)
219



(LKE)
LKE maintains a revolving line of credit with a PPL Energy Funding subsidiary whereby LKE can borrow funds on a short-term basis at market-based rates. In December 2017, the revolving line of credit was increased by $50 million and the limit as of December 31, 2017 was $275 million. The interest rates on borrowings are equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, $225 million and $163 million were outstanding and reflected in "Notes payable with affiliates" on the Balance Sheets. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 2.87% and 2.12%. Interest expense on the revolving line of credit was not significant for 2017, 2016 or 2015.
LKE maintains an agreement with a PPL affiliate that has a $300 million borrowing limit whereby LKE can loan funds on a short-term basis at market-based rates. No balance was outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The interest rate on the
loan based on the PPL affiliates credit rating is currently equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread. Interest income on this note was not significant for 2017, 2016 or 2015.
LKE maintains a $400 million ten-year-note with a PPL affiliate with an interest rate of 3.5%. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the note was reflected in "Long-term debt to affiliate" on the Balance Sheets. Interest expense on this note was $14 million for 2017 and 2016 and not significant for 2015.

(LG&E)


LG&E participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or KU make available to LG&E funds up to $500 millionthe difference between LG&E's FERC borrowing limit and LG&E's commercial paper limit at an interest rate based on the lower of a market index of commercial paper issues. No balances were outstanding atissues and two additional rate options based on SOFR. At December 31, 2017 and 2016. Interest expense incurred on the2023, LG&E's money pool agreement withunused capacity was $750 million. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, LG&E's borrowings outstanding from KU wasand/or LKE were not significant for 2017 or 2016. There was no money pool activity with KU in 2015.significant.

(KU)


KU participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or LG&E make available to KU funds up to $500 millionthe difference between KU's FERC borrowing limit and KU's commercial paper limit at an interest rate based on the lower of a market index of commercial paper issues. No balances were outstanding atissues and two additional rate options based on SOFR. At December 31, 2017 and 2016. Interest income incurred on the2023, KU's money pool agreement withunused capacity was $557 million. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, KU's borrowings outstanding from LG&E wasand/or LKE were not significant for 2017 and 2016. There was no money pool activity with LG&E in 2015.significant.

Intercompany DerivativesOther(LKE,PPL Electric, LG&E and KU)
Periodically, LG&E and KU enter into forward-starting interest rate swaps with PPL. These hedging instruments have terms identical to forward-starting swaps entered into by PPL with third parties.
Other(PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

See Note 1 for discussions regarding the intercompany tax sharing agreement (for PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU) and intercompany allocations of stock-based compensation expense (for PPL Electric and LKE)Electric). For PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, see Note 11 for discussions regarding intercompany allocations associated with defined benefits.
 
15. Other Income (Expense) - net


(PPL)


The breakdowncomponents of "Other Income (Expense) - net" for the years ended December 31, was:

were:


220
168


 202320222021
Defined benefit plans - non-service credits (Note 11)$40 $47 $21 
Interest income32 12 
AFUDC - equity component30 22 18 
Charitable contributions(5)(14)(14)
Talen litigation (a)(124)(41)
Miscellaneous(13)(6)19 
Other Income (Expense) - net$(40)$54 $15 
(a)The costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relate to the settlement of the litigation. See "Legal Matters - Talen Litigation" in Note 13 for additional information.
 2017 2016 2015
Other Income 
  
  
Economic foreign currency exchange contracts (Note 17)$(261) $384
 $122
Interest income2
 3
 4
AFUDC - equity component16
 19
 14
Miscellaneous17
 6
 6
Total Other Income(226) 412
 146
Other Expense 
  
  
Charitable contributions8
 9
 21
Miscellaneous21
 13
 17
Total Other Expense29
 22
 38
Other Income (Expense) - net$(255) $390
 $108

(PPL Electric)

The components of "Other Income (Expense) - net" for the years ended December 31, were:
202320222021
Defined benefit plans - non-service credits (Note 11)$20 $15 $
Interest income— 
AFUDC - equity component16 16 18 
Charitable contributions(3)(3)(3)
Miscellaneous(2)(1)(3)
Other Income (Expense) - net$39 $30 $21 
 
16. Fair Value Measurements

(All Registrants)

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). A market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques and option-pricing models), and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) are used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability, as appropriate. These valuation approaches incorporate inputs such as observable, independent market data and/or unobservable data that management believes are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability. These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk. The fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities is measured on a net basis. Transfers between levels are recognized at end-of-reporting-period values. During 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. See Note 1 for information on the levels in the fair value hierarchy.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at fair value were:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
PPL 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets               
Cash and cash equivalents$485
 $485
 $
 $
 $341
 $341
 $
 $
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)26
 26
 
 
 26
 26
 
 
Price risk management assets (b): 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Foreign currency contracts163
 
 163
 
 211
 
 211
 
Cross-currency swaps101
 
 101
 
 188
 
 188
 
Total price risk management assets264
 
 264
 
 399
 
 399
 
Total assets$775
 $511
 $264
 $
 $766
 $367
 $399
 $
                

 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL        
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents$331 $331 $— $— $356 $356 $— $— 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)51 51 — — — — 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (b)382 382 — — 357 357 — — 
Special use funds (a):
Money market fund— — — — 
Commingled debt fund measured at NAV (c)— — — 13 — — — 
Commingled equity fund measured at NAV (c)— — — 11 — — — 
Total special use funds18 — — 25 — — 


221
169


 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Price risk management assets (d):
Gas contracts— — 25 — 25 — 
Total assets$401 $383 $$— $407 $358 $25 $— 
Liabilities      
Price risk management liabilities (d):       
Interest rate swaps$$— $$— $$— $$— 
Gas contracts60 — 41 19 66 — 10 56 
Total price risk management liabilities$67 $— $48 $19 $73 $— $17 $56 
PPL Electric       
Assets       
Cash and cash equivalents$51 $51 $— $— $25 $25 $— $— 
Total assets$51 $51 $— $— $25 $25 $— $— 
LG&E       
Assets       
Cash and cash equivalents$18 $18 $— $— $93 $93 $— $— 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)26 26 — — — — — — 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (b)44 44 — — 93 93 — — 
Total assets$44 $44 $— $— $93 $93 $— $— 
Liabilities       
Price risk management liabilities:       
Interest rate swaps$$— $$— $$— $$— 
Total price risk management liabilities$$— $$— $$— $$— 
KU       
Assets       
Cash and cash equivalents$14 $14 $— $— $21 $21 $— $— 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)24 24 — — — — — — 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (b)38 38 — — 21 21 — — 
Total assets$38 $38 $— $— $21 $21 $— $— 

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Liabilities 
    
  
    
  
  
Price risk management liabilities (b): 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate swaps$26
 $
 $26
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
 $
Foreign currency contracts148
 
 148
 
 27
 
 27
 
Total price risk management liabilities$174
 $
 $174
 $
 $58
 $
 $58
 $
                
PPL Electric 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Assets 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$49
 $49
 $
 $
 $13
 $13
 $
 $
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)2
 2
 
 
 2
 2
 
 
Total assets$51
 $51
 $
 $
 $15
 $15
 $
 $
                
LKE 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Assets               
Cash and cash equivalents       $30
 $30
 $
 $
 $13
 $13
 $
 $
Cash collateral posted to counterparties (c)
 
 
 
 3
 3
 
 
Total assets$30
 $30
 $
 $
 $16
 $16
 $
 $
                
Liabilities 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Price risk management liabilities: 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate swaps$26
 $
 $26
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
 $
Total price risk management liabilities$26
 $
 $26
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
 $
                
LG&E 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Assets 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $15
 $
 $
 $5
 $5
 $
 $
Cash collateral posted to counterparties (c)
 
 
 
 3
 3
 
 
Total assets$15
 $15
 $
 $
 $8
 $8
 $
 $
                
Liabilities 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Price risk management liabilities: 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate swaps$26
 $
 $26
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
 $
Total price risk management liabilities$26
 $
 $26
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
 $
                
KU 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Assets 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $15
 $
 $
 $7
 $7
 $
 $
Total assets$15
 $15
 $
 $
 $7
 $7
 $
 $
(a)Current portion is included in "Other current assets" and noncurrent portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.
(b)Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash provides a reconciliation of these items reported within the Balance Sheets to the sum shown on the Statements of Cash Flows.
(c)In accordance with accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(d)Current portion is included in "Other current liabilities" and noncurrent portion is included in "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

A reconciliation of net liabilities classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31 is as follows:
Gas Contracts
(a)2023Current portion is included in "Other current assets" and long-term portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the
Balance Sheets.at beginning of period$56 
Purchases19
(b)Current portion is included in "Price risk management assets" and "Other current liabilities" and noncurrent portion is included in "Price risk management assets" and "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.
(c)
SettlementsIncluded in "Other noncurrent assets" on the (56)
Balance Sheets. Represents cash collateral posted to offset the exposure with counterparties related to certain interest rate swaps under master netting arrangements that are not offset.at end of period$19 


Special Use Funds(PPL)

The special use funds are investments restricted for paying active union employee medical costs. In 2018, PPL received a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS permitting a transfer of excess funds from the PPL Bargaining Unit Retiree Health Plan VEBA to a new subaccount within the VEBA to be used to pay medical claims of active bargaining unit employees. The


170

funds are invested primarily in commingled debt and equity funds measured at NAV and are classified as investments in equity securities. Changes in the fair value of the funds are recorded to the Statements of Income.

Price Risk Management Assets/Liabilities -

Interest Rate Swaps/Foreign Currency Contracts/Cross-Currency Swaps(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
 
To manage interest rate risk, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU use interest rate contracts such as forward-starting swaps, floating-to-fixed swaps and fixed-to-floating swaps. To manage foreign currency exchange risk, PPL uses foreign currency contracts such as forwards, options, and cross-currency swaps that contain characteristics of both interest rate and foreign currency contracts. An income approach is used to measure the fair value of these contracts, utilizing readily observable inputs, such as forward interest rates (e.g., LIBORSOFR and government security rates) and forward foreign currency exchange rates (e.g., GBP), as well as inputs that may not be observable, such as credit valuation adjustments. In certain cases, market information cannot practicably be obtained to value credit risk and therefore internal models are relied upon. These models use projected probabilities of default and estimated recovery rates based on historical observances. When the credit valuation adjustment is significant to the overall valuation, the contracts are classified as Level 3.



Gas Contracts (PPL)
222



TableTo manage gas commodity price risk associated with natural gas purchases, RIE utilizes over-the-counter (OTC) gas swaps contracts with pricing inputs obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), except in cases where the ICE publishes seasonal averages or where there were no transactions within the last seven days. RIE may utilize discounting based on quoted interest rate curves, including consideration of Contentsnon-performance risk, and may include a liquidity reserve calculated based on bid/ask spread. Substantially all of these price curves are observable in the marketplace throughout at least 95% of the remaining contractual quantity, or they could be constructed from market observable curves with correlation coefficients of 95% or higher. These contracts are classified as Level 2.



RIE also utilizes gas option and purchase and capacity transactions, which are valued based on internally developed models. Industry-standard valuation techniques, such as the Black-Scholes pricing model, are used for valuing such instruments. For valuations that include both observable and unobservable inputs, if the unobservable input is determined to be significant to the overall inputs, the entire valuation is classified as Level 3. This includes derivative instruments valued using indicative price quotations whose contract tenure extends into unobservable periods. In instances where observable data is unavailable, consideration is given to the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This includes assumptions about market risks such as liquidity, volatility, and contract duration. Such instruments are classified as in Level 3 as the model inputs generally are not observable. RIE considers non-performance risk and liquidity risk in the valuation of derivative instruments classified as Level 2 and Level 3.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements (PPL)
See Note 8 for information regardingThe significant unobservable inputs used in the estimated fair value measurement of the Supply segment's net assets as ofgas derivative instruments are implied volatility and gas forward curves. A relative change in commodity price at various locations underlying the June 1, 2015 spinoff date.open positions can result in significantly different fair value estimates.

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value(All Registrants)

The carrying amounts of long-term debt on the Balance Sheets and their estimated fair values are set forth below. The fair values were estimated using an income approach by discounting future cash flows at estimated current cost of funding rates, which incorporate the credit risk of the Registrants. Long-term debt is classified as Level 2. The effect of third-party credit enhancements is not included in the fair value measurement.
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying
Amount (a)
Fair ValueCarrying
Amount (a)
Fair Value
PPL$14,612 $14,031 $13,243 $12,239 
PPL Electric4,567 4,475 4,486 4,259 
LG&E2,469 2,369 2,307 2,128 
KU3,064 2,861 2,920 2,616 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Carrying
Amount (a)
 Fair Value Carrying
Amount (a)
 Fair Value
PPL$20,195
 $23,783
 $18,326
 $21,355
PPL Electric3,298
 3,769
 2,831
 3,148
LKE5,159
 5,670
 5,065
 5,439
LG&E1,709
 1,865
 1,617
 1,710
KU2,328
 2,605
 2,327
 2,514


(a)Amounts are net of debt issuance costs.
(a)Amounts are net of debt issuance costs.


The carrying amounts of other current financial instruments (except for long-term debt due within one year) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature.
 


171

17. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Risk Management Objectives

(All Registrants)

PPL has a risk management policy approved by the Board of Directors to manage market risk associated with commodities, interest rates on debt issuances and foreign exchange (including price, liquidity and volumetric risk) and credit risk (including non-performance risk and payment default risk). The Risk Management Committee, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Senior Director-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with the risk policy and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions, verification of risk and transaction limits, value-at-risk analyses (VaR, a statistical model that attempts to estimate the value of potential loss over a given holding period under normal market conditions at a given confidence level) and the coordination and reporting of the Enterprise Risk Management program.

Market Risk

Market risk includes the potential loss that may be incurred as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument as well as market liquidity and volumetric risks. Forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and structured transactions are utilized as part of risk management strategies to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by changes in commodity prices interest rates and foreign currency exchangeinterest rates. Many of these contracts meet the definition of a derivative. All derivatives are recognized on the Balance Sheets at their fair value, unless NPNS is elected.

The following summarizes the market risks that affect PPL and its subsidiaries.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL and its subsidiaries are exposed to interest rate risk associated with forecasted fixed-rate and existing floating-rate debt issuances. PPL and WPD hold over-the-counter cross currency swaps to limit exposure to market fluctuations on interest and principal payments from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. PPL, LKE and LG&E utilize over-the-counter interest rate swaps to limit exposure to market fluctuations on floating-rate debt. PPL, LKE, LG&E


223


and KU utilize forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge changes in benchmark interest rates, when appropriate, in connection with future debt issuances.issuance.
PPL and its subsidiaries are exposed to interest rate risk associated with debt securities and derivatives held by defined benefit plans. This risk is significantly mitigated to the extent that the plans are sponsored at, or sponsored on behalf of, the regulated domestic utilities and for certain plans at WPD due to the recovery methods in place.

Foreign Currency Risk (PPL)
PPL is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk primarily associated with its investments in and earnings of U.K. affiliates.

(All Registrants)


Commodity Price Risk

PPL is exposed to commodity price risk through its domestic subsidiaries as described below.


PPL Electric is required to purchase electricity to fulfill its obligation as a PLR. Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its PUC-approvedPAPUC-approved cost recovery mechanism and full-requirement supply agreements to serve its PLR customers which transfer the risk to energy suppliers.
LG&E's and KU's rates include certain mechanisms for fuel, fuel-related expenses and energy purchases. In addition, LG&E's rates include a mechanism for natural gas supply expenses.costs. These mechanisms generally provide for timely recovery of market price fluctuations associated with these expenses.
costs.

RIE utilizes derivative instruments pursuant to its RIPUC-approved plan to manage commodity price risk associated with its natural gas purchases. RIE's commodity price risk management strategy is to reduce fluctuations in firm gas sales prices to its customers. RIE's costs associated with derivatives instruments are recoverable through its RIPUC- approved cost recovery mechanisms. RIE is required to purchase electricity to fulfill its obligation to provide Last Resort Service (LRS). Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its RIPUC-approved cost recovery mechanisms and full requirements service agreements to serve LRS customers, which transfer the risk to energy suppliers. RIE is required to contract through long-term agreements for clean energy supply under the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth program and Long-term Clean Energy Standard. Potential commodity price risk is mitigated through its RIPUC-approved cost recovery mechanisms, which true-up cost differences between contract prices and market prices.

Volumetric Risk


Volumetric risk is the risk related to the changes in volume of retail sales due to weather, economic conditions or other factors. PPL is exposed to volumetric risk through its subsidiaries as described below.below:


WPD is exposed to volumetric risk which is significantly mitigated as a result
172


PPL Electric, LG&E and KU are exposed to volumetric risk on retail sales, mainly due to weather and other economic conditions for which there is limited mitigation between rate cases.

RIE is exposed to volumetric risk, which is significantly mitigated by regulatory mechanisms. RIE's electric and gas distribution rates both have a revenue decoupling mechanism, which allows for annual adjustments to RIE's delivery rates.

Equity Securities Price Risk

PPL and its subsidiaries are exposed to equity securities price risk associated with the fair value of the defined benefit plans' assets. This risk is significantly mitigated at the regulated domestic utilities and for certain plans at WPD due to the recovery methods in place.
PPL is exposed to equity securities price risk from future stock sales and/or purchases.


Credit Risk

Credit risk is the potential loss that may be incurred due to a counterparty's non-performance.

PPL is exposed to credit risk from "in-the-money" interest rate and foreign currency derivativestransactions with financial institutions,counterparties, as well as additional credit risk through certain of its subsidiaries, as discussed below.

In the event a supplier of PPL, PPL Electric, LG&E or KU defaults on its contractual obligation, those Registrants would be required to seek replacement power or replacement fuel in the market. In general, subject to regulatory review or other processes, appropriate incremental costs incurred by these entities would be recoverable from customers through applicable rate mechanisms, thereby mitigating the financial risk for these entities.


PPL and its subsidiaries have credit policies in place to manage credit risk, including the use of an established credit approval process, daily monitoring of counterparty positions and the use of master netting agreements or provisions. These agreements generally include credit mitigation provisions, such as margin, prepayment or collateral requirements. PPL and its subsidiaries may request additional credit assurance, in certain circumstances, in the event that the counterparties' credit ratings fall below investment grade, their tangible net worth falls below specified percentages or their exposures exceed an established credit limit.



224


Master Netting Arrangements(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Net derivative positions on the balance sheets are not offset against the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) under master netting arrangements.

PPL had a $20 million and $19 million obligation to returnno cash collateral posted under master netting arrangements at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.$4 million cash collateral posted at December 31, 2022.


LKE, LG&E and KUPPL had no obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

PPL, LKE,LG&E and LG&EKU had no cash collateral posted under master netting arrangements at December 31, 2017. PPL, LKE and LG&E posted $3 million ofor obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements at December 31, 2016.2023 and 2022.
KU did not post any cash collateral under master netting arrangements at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

See "Offsetting Derivative Instruments" below for a summary of derivative positions presented in the balance sheets where a right of setoff exists under these arrangements.

Interest Rate Risk

(All Registrants)

PPL and its subsidiaries issue debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk. A variety of financial derivative instruments are utilized to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in their debt portfolios, adjust the duration of the debt portfolios and lock in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under PPL's risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of the debt portfolio due to changes in benchmark interest rates. In addition, the interest rate risk of certain subsidiaries is potentially mitigated as a result of the existing regulatory framework or the timing of rate cases.



173

Cash Flow Hedges(PPL)

Interest rate risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financings. Financial interest rate swap contracts that qualify as cash flow hedges may be entered into to hedge floating interest rate risk associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL heldhad no such contracts at December 31, 2017.2023.

For 2017, PPL had no hedge ineffectiveness associated with interest rate derivatives. For 2016 and 2015, hedge ineffectiveness associated with interest rate derivatives was insignificant.

At December 31, 2017, PPL held an aggregate notional value in cross-currency interest rate swap contracts of $702 million that range in maturity from 2021 through 2028 to hedge the interest payments and principal of WPD's U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes. In December 2017, $100 million of WPD’s U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes were repaid upon maturity and $100 million notional value of cross-currency interest rate swap contracts matured. PPL recorded a $19 million gain upon settlement of the cross-currency interest rate swap contracts, which largely offset a loss recorded on the revaluation of U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes.

Cash flow hedges are discontinued if it is no longer probable that the original forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time period and any amounts previously recorded in AOCI are reclassified into earnings once it is determined that the hedged transaction is not probable of occurring.

For 2023, 2022 and 2021, PPL had an insignificant amount ofno cash flow hedges reclassified into earnings associated with discontinued cash flow hedges in 2017 and 2016.hedges.

As a result of the June 1, 2015 spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, all PPL cash flow hedges associated with PPL Energy Supply were ineffective and discontinued and therefore, reclassified into earnings during the second quarter of 2015 and reflected in discontinued operations for 2015. See Note 8 for additional information. PPL had no other cash flow hedges reclassified into earnings associated with discontinued cash flow hedges in 2015.


225



At December 31, 2017,2023, the amount of accumulated net unrecognized after-tax gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months is insignificant. Amounts are reclassified as the hedged interest expense is recorded.

Economic Activity(PPL LKE and LG&E)

LG&E enters into interest rate swap contracts that economically hedge interest payments on variable rate debt.payments. Because realized gains and losses from the swaps, including terminated swap contracts, are recoverable through regulated rates, any subsequent changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities until they are realized as interest expense. Realized gains and losses are recognized in "Interest Expense" on the Statements of Income at the time the underlying hedged interest expense is recorded. In December 2016, a swap with a notional amount of $32 million was terminated. A cash settlement of $9 million was paid on the terminated swap. The settlement is included in noncurrent regulatory assets on the Balance Sheet and in "Cash Flows from Operating Activities" on the Statement of Cash Flows. At December 31, 2017,2023, LG&E held contracts with a notional amount of $147$64 million that rangemature in maturity through 2033.

Foreign CurrencyCommodity Price Risk (PPL)

(PPL)
PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in and earnings of U.K. affiliates. PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities, anticipated transactions and net investments. In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk of expected GBP earnings.
Net Investment Hedges
PPL enters into foreign currency contracts on behalf of a subsidiary to protect the value of a portion of its net investment in WPD. There were no contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, PPL had $22 million and $21 million of accumulated net investment hedge after tax gains (losses) that were included in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of AOCI.
Economic Activity

PPLRIE enters into foreign currencyderivative contracts on behalf of a subsidiary tothat economically hedge GBP-denominated anticipated earnings.natural gas purchases. Realized gains and losses from the derivatives are recoverable through regulated rates, therefore subsequent changes in fair value are included in regulatory assets or liabilities until they are realized as purchased gas. Realized gains and losses are recognized in "Energy Purchases" on the Statements of Income upon settlement of the contracts. See Note 6 for amounts recorded in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2017, the total exposure hedged by PPL was approximately £2.6 billion (approximately $3.5 billion based on contracted rates). These2023, RIE held contracts had termination dates rangingwith notional volumes of 48 Bcf that range in maturity from January 20182024 through June 2020.2025.

In the third quarter of 2016, PPL settled foreign currency hedges related to 2017 and 2018 anticipated earnings, resulting in receipt of $310 million of cash and entered into new hedges at current market rates. The notional amount of the settled hedges was approximately £1.3 billion (approximately $2.0 billion based on contracted rates) with termination dates from January 2017 through November 2018. The settlement did not have a significant impact on net income as the hedge values were previously marked to fair value and recognized in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statement of Income.

Accounting and Reporting

(All Registrants)

All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the Balance Sheet as an asset or liability unless the NPNS is elected. NPNS contracts for PPL and PPL Electric include certain full-requirement purchase contracts and other physical purchase contracts. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as NPNS are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met and designated as such, except for the changes in fair values of LG&E's interest rate swaps that are recognized as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. See Note 67 for amounts recorded in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

See Note 1 for additional information on accounting policies related to derivative instruments.


226



(PPL)

The following table presents the fair value and location of derivative instruments recorded on the Balance Sheets. Sheets:


174

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
 
Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments
 
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
 
Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Current: 
  
  
  
      
  
Current:    
Price Risk Management 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Price Risk Management  
Assets/Liabilities (a): 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets/Liabilities (a):  
Interest rate swaps (b)$
 $
 $
 $4
 $
 $
 $
 $4
Cross-currency swaps (b)4
 
 
 
 32
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
 45
 67
 
 
 31
 21
Gas contracts
Total current4
 
 45
 71
 32
 
 31
 25
Noncurrent: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Noncurrent:  
Price Risk Management 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Price Risk Management  
Assets/Liabilities (a): 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets/Liabilities (a):  
Interest rate swaps (b)
 
 
 22
 
 
 
 27
Cross-currency swaps (b)97
 
 
 
 156
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
 118
 81
 
 
 180
 6
Gas contracts
Total noncurrent
Total noncurrent
Total noncurrent97
 
 118
 103
 156
 
 180
 33
Total derivatives$101
 $
 $163
 $174
 $188
 $
 $211
 $58

(a)Current portion is included in "Price risk management assets" and "Other current liabilities" and noncurrent portion is included in "Price risk management assets" and "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.
(b)Excludes accrued interest, if applicable.

(a)Current portion is included in "Other current assets" and "Other current liabilities" and noncurrent portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" and "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.
(b)Excludes accrued interest, if applicable.

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments recognized in income, OCI or regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities.liabilities:
Derivative
Relationships
Derivative Gain
(Loss) Recognized in OCI
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI into Income
2023
Cash Flow Hedges:
Interest rate swaps$— Interest Expense$(3)
Total$— $(3)
2022
Cash Flow Hedges:
Interest rate swaps$— Interest Expense$(3)
Total$— $(3)
Net Investment Hedges: 
2021
Cash Flow Hedges:
Interest rate swaps$— Interest Expense$11 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued operations (net of taxes)(2)
Cross-currency swaps(50)Income (Loss) from Discontinued operations (net of taxes)(39)
Total$(50)$(30)
Net Investment Hedges: 
Foreign currency contracts in Discontinued operations$
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
202320222021
Foreign currency contractsIncome (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of taxes)$— $— $(266)
Interest rate swapsInterest Expense— (2)(2)
Gas contractsEnergy Purchases(19)41 — 
Other income (expense) - net(1)$— $— 
 Total$(20)$39 $(268)

Derivative
Relationships
 
Derivative Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
OCI (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
2017        
Cash Flow Hedges:        
Interest rate swaps $
 Interest Expense $(9) $
Cross-currency swaps (98) Other Income (Expense) - net (82) 
Total $(98)   $(91) $
Net Investment Hedges:  
      
Foreign currency contracts $1
      
         
2016        
Cash Flow Hedges:        
Interest rate swaps $(21) Interest Expense $(7) $
Cross-currency swaps 130
 Other Income (Expense) - net 116
 
    Interest Expense 3
 
Total $109
   $112
 $
Net Investment Hedges:  
      
Foreign currency contracts $2
      


175

227


Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized as
Regulatory Liabilities/Assets
202320222021
Gas contractsRegulatory assets - current$$39 $— 
Regulatory assets - noncurrent(8)— — 
Interest rate swapsRegulatory assets - noncurrent— 11 
Total$$50 $
Derivative
Relationships
 
Derivative Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
OCI (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
         
2015        
Cash Flow Hedges:        
Interest rate swaps $(34) Interest Expense $(11) $
    Discontinued operations 
 (77)
Cross-currency swaps 60
 Other Income (Expense) - net 49
 
    Interest Expense 2
 
Commodity contracts   Discontinued operations 13
 7
Total $26
   $53
 $(70)
Net Investment Hedges:  
      
Foreign currency contracts $9
      
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 2017 2016 2015
Foreign currency contracts Other Income (Expense) - net $(261) $384
 $122
Interest rate swaps Interest Expense (6) (7) (8)
  Total $(267) $377
 $114

Derivatives Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized as
Regulatory Liabilities/Assets
 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory assets - noncurrent $
 $
 $(22)

Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized as
Regulatory Liabilities/Assets
 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory assets - noncurrent $5
 $7
 $1
(LKE)

The following table presents the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges that are recognized in regulatory assets. All derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were terminated in 2015 and there is nohedge activity inon the current period.Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedging Relationships
Interest Expense
Total income and expense line items presented in the income statement in which the effect of cash flow hedges are recorded$666 
The effects of cash flow hedges:
Gain (Loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income(3)
Cross-currency swaps:
Hedged items— 
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income— 
Derivative Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory assets - noncurrent $
 $
 $(22)
(LG&E)

The following table presents the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges that are recognized in regulatory assets. All derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were terminated in 2015 and there is nohedge activity inon the current period.Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2022:
Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedging Relationships
Interest Expense
Total income and expense line items presented in the income statement in which the effect of cash flow hedges are recorded$513 
The effects of cash flow hedges:
Gain (Loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income(3)
Cross-currency swaps:
Hedged items— 
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income— 
Derivative Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory asset - noncurrent $
 $
 $(11)
(KU)

The following table presents the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges that are recognized in regulatory assets. All derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were terminated in 2015 and there is nohedge activity inon the current period.Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Derivative Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory assets - noncurrent $
 $
 $(11)

176


228


Location and Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedging Relationships
Interest ExpenseIncome (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Total income and expense line items presented in the income statement in which the effect of cash flow hedges are recorded$918 $(1,498)
The effects of cash flow hedges:
Gain (Loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swaps:
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income11 (2)
Cross-currency swaps:
Hedged items— 39 
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income— (39)
(LKE and LG
(LG&E)

The following table presents the fair value and the location on the Balance Sheets of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.instruments:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Current:    
Price Risk Management    
Assets/Liabilities:    
Interest rate swaps$— $$— $
Total current— — 
Noncurrent:    
Price Risk Management    
Assets/Liabilities:    
Interest rate swaps— — 
Total noncurrent— — 
Total derivatives$— $$— $
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
  Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Current:    
    
Price Risk Management    
    
Assets/Liabilities:    
    
Interest rate swaps $
 $4
 $
 $4
Total current 
 4
 
 4
Noncurrent:    
    
Price Risk Management    
    
Assets/Liabilities:    
    
Interest rate swaps 
 22
 
 27
Total noncurrent 
 22
 
 27
Total derivatives $
 $26
 $
 $31

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges that are recognized in income or regulatory assets. assets:
Derivative InstrumentsLocation of Gain (Loss)202320222021
Interest rate swapsInterest Expense$— $(2)$(2)
Derivative Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015Derivative InstrumentsLocation of Gain (Loss)202320222021
Interest rate swaps Interest Expense $(6) $(7) $(8)
Derivative Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Regulatory assets - noncurrent $5
 $7
 $1


(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Offsetting Derivative Instruments

PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU or certain of their subsidiaries have master netting arrangements in place and also enter into agreements pursuant to which they purchase or sell certain energy and other products. Under the agreements, upon termination of the agreement as a result of a default or other termination event, the non-defaulting party typically would have a right to set off amounts owed under the agreement against any other obligations arising between the two parties (whether under the agreement or not), whether matured or contingent and irrespective of the currency, place of payment or place of booking of the obligation.

PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU have elected not to offset derivative assets and liabilities and not to offset net derivative positions against the right to reclaim cash collateral pledged (an asset) or the obligation to return cash collateral received (a liability) under derivatives agreements. The table below summarizes the derivative positions presented in the balance sheets where a right of setoff exists under these arrangements and related cash collateral received or pledged.

  Assets Liabilities
    Eligible for Offset     Eligible for Offset  
  Gross 
Derivative
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 Net Gross 
Derivative
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 Net
December 31, 2017                
Treasury Derivatives                
PPL $264
 $107
 $20
 $137
 $174
 $107
 $
 $67
LKE 
 
 
 
 26
 
 
 26
LG&E 
 
 
 
 26
 
 
 26


177

229


 AssetsLiabilities
  Eligible for Offset  Eligible for Offset 
 GrossDerivative
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Received
NetGrossDerivative
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
Net
December 31, 2023        
Derivatives        
PPL$$— $— $$67 $— $— $67 
LG&E— — — — — — 
December 31, 2022        
Derivatives        
PPL$25 $20 $— $$73 $62 $— $11 
LG&E— — — — — — 
  Assets Liabilities
    Eligible for Offset     Eligible for Offset  
  Gross 
Derivative
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 Net Gross 
Derivative
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 Net
December 31, 2016  
  
    
  
  
  
  
Treasury Derivatives      
          
PPL $399
 $27
 $19
 $353
 $58
 $27
 $3
 $28
LKE 
 
 
 
 31
 
 3
 28
LG&E 
 
 
 
 31
 
 3
 28

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

Certain derivative contracts contain credit risk-related contingent features which, when in a net liability position, would permit the counterparties to require the transfer of additional collateral upon a decrease in the credit ratings of PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU or certain of their subsidiaries. Most of these features would require the transfer of additional collateral or permit the counterparty to terminate the contract if the applicable credit rating were to fall below investment grade. Some of these features also would allow the counterparty to require additional collateral upon each downgrade in credit rating at levels that remain above investment grade. In either case, if the applicable credit rating were to fall below investment grade, and assuming no assignment to an investment grade affiliate were allowed, most of these credit contingent features require either immediate payment of the net liability as a termination payment or immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions.

Additionally, certain derivative contracts contain credit risk-related contingent features that require adequate assurance of performance be provided if the other party has reasonable concerns regarding the performance of PPL's, LKE's, LG&E's and KU's obligations under the contracts. A counterparty demanding adequate assurance could require a transfer of additional collateral or other security, including letters of credit, cash and guarantees from a creditworthy entity. This would typically involve negotiations among the parties. However, amounts disclosed below would represent assumed immediate payment or immediate and ongoing full collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions with "adequate assurance" features.

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)(PPL)

At December 31, 2017,2023, derivative contracts in a net liability position that contain credit risk-related contingent features was $35 million. The aggregate fair value of additional collateral posted on those positions andrequirements in the related effectevent of a decrease in credit ratingsdowngrade below investment grade are summarized as follows:was $36 million.

  PPL LKE LG&E
Aggregate fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability position with credit risk-related contingent features $51
 $10
 $10
Aggregate fair value of collateral posted on these derivative instruments 
 
 
Aggregate fair value of additional collateral requirements in the event of a credit downgrade below investment grade (a) 51
 10
 10
(a)Includes the effect of net receivables and payables already recorded on the Balance Sheet.

18. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


Goodwill


(PPL)


The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were:
Kentucky
Regulated
Rhode Island RegulatedCorporate and
Other
Total
 20232022202320222023202220232022
Balance at beginning of period (a)$662 $662 $725 $— $861 $53 $2,248 $715 
Goodwill recognized during the period (b)— — — 725 (1)861 (1)1,586 
Sale of Safari Holdings (c)— — — — — (53)— (53)
Total$662 $662 $725 $725 $860 $861 $2,247 $2,248 
 U.K. Regulated Kentucky Regulated Total
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of period (a)$2,398
 $2,888
 $662
 $662
 $3,060
 $3,550
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates198
 (490)  
  
 198
 (490)
Balance at end of period (a)$2,596
 $2,398
 $662
 $662
 $3,258
 $3,060


(a)There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill.
(b)Recognized as a result of the acquisition of RIE. See Note 9 for additional information.
(c)See Note 9 for additional information.



230
178


(a)There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill.
Other Intangible Assets


(PPL)


The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:    
Contracts (a)$125 $107 $125 $99 
Renewable Energy Credits15 — 14 — 
Land rights and easements411 143 407 138 
Licenses and other— 
Total subject to amortization553 250 548 238 
Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life:    
Land rights and easements18 — 17 — 
Total not subject to amortization due to indefinite life18 — 17 — 
Total$571 $250 $565 $238 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:       
Contracts (a)$138
 $67
 $405
 $325
Land and transmission rights382
 120
 362
 115
Emission allowances/RECs (b)1
 
 2
 
Licenses and other7
 3
 6
 2
Total subject to amortization528
 190
 775
 442
        
Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life:       
Land and transmission rights12
 
 19
 
Easements347
 
 348
 
Total not subject to amortization due to indefinite life359
 
 367
 
Total$887
 $190
 $1,142
 $442

(a)Gross carrying amount in 2023 and 2022 includes the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition of LKE by PPL.
(a)Gross carrying amount in 2017 and 2016 includes the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition of LKE by PPL. Gross carrying amount in 2016 also includes the fair value at the acquisition date of coal contracts with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition of LKE by PPL. At December 31, 2016, these coal contracts were fully amortized. Offsetting regulatory liabilities were recorded related to these contracts, which are being amortized over the same period as the intangible assets, eliminating any income statement impact. This is referred to as "regulatory offset" in the tables below. See Note 6 for additional information.
(b)Emission allowances/RECs are expensed when consumed or sold; therefore, there is no accumulated amortization.


Current intangible assets are included in "Other current assets" and long-term intangible assets are included in "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.
Amortization expense was as follows:   
 202320222021
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$$$
Intangible assets with regulatory offset
Total$14 $14 $17 
Amortization Expense was as follows:     
 2017 2016 2015
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$6
 $6
 $6
Intangible assets with regulatory offset9
 24
 51
Total$15
 $30
 $57

Amortization expense for each of the next five years excluding insignificant amounts for consumption of emission allowances/RECs, is estimated to be:
 20242025202620272028
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$$$$$
Intangible assets with regulatory offset— — 
Total$13 $13 $$$
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$6
 $6
 $6
 $6
 $6
Intangible assets with regulatory offset9
 9
 8
 8
 8
Total$15
 $15
 $14
 $14
 $14



231



(PPL Electric)


The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:    
Land rights and easements$389 $138 $385 $134 
Licenses and other
Total subject to amortization391 139 387 135 
Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life:    
Land rights and easements17 — 17 — 
Total$408 $139 $404 $135 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:       
Land and transmission rights$361
 $117
 $341
 $112
Licenses and other3
 1
 3
 1
Total subject to amortization364
 118
 344
 113
        
Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life:       
Land and transmission rights13
 
 20
 
Total$377
 $118
 $364
 $113

Intangible assets are shown as "Intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.


179


Amortization expense was insignificant in 2017, 2016 and 2015 andas follows:
 202320222021
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$$$

Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expectedestimated to be insignificant in future years.be:

 20242025202620272028
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$$$$$
(LKE)

(LG&E)

The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:    
Land rights and easements$$$$
OVEC power purchase agreement (a)86 73 86 68 
Total subject to amortization$93 $75 $93 $69 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:       
Coal contracts (a)$
 $
 $269
 $269
Land and transmission rights21
 3
 21
 3
OVEC power purchase agreement (b)126
 58
 126
 49
Total subject to amortization$147
 $61
 $416
 $321

(a)    Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to this contract, which is being amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact. See Note 7 for additional information.
(a)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of coal contracts with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to these contracts, which was amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact.
(b)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to this contract, which is being amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact. See Note 6 for additional information.


Long-term intangible assets are presented as "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.


Amortization expense was as follows:
 202320222021
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$$$
 2017 2016 2015
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$
 $1
 $
Intangible assets with regulatory offset9
 24
 51
Total$9
 $25
 $51


Amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be:
 20242025202620272028
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$$$$— $— 
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$9
 $9
 $8
 $8
 $8

(KU)


232


(LG&E)


The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:    
Land rights and easements$17 $$16 $
OVEC power purchase agreement (a)39 33 39 31 
Total subject to amortization$56 $37 $55 $34 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:       
Coal contracts (a)$
 $
 $124
 $124
Land and transmission rights7
 1
 7
 1
OVEC power purchase agreement (b)87
 40
 87
 34
Total subject to amortization$94
 $41
 $218
 $159

(a)    Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to this contract, which is being amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact. See Note 7 for additional information.
(a)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of coal contracts with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to these contracts, which was amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact.
(b)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to this contract, which is being amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact. See Note 6 for additional information.


Long-term intangible assets are presented as "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.




180

Amortization expense was as follows:
 202320222021
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$— $— $
Intangible assets with regulatory offset
 2017 2016 2015
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$6
 $13
 $24


Amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be:
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$6
 $6
 $6
 $6
 $6

(KU)

The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Subject to amortization:       
Coal contracts (a)$
 $
 $145
 $145
Land and transmission rights14
 2
 14
 2
OVEC power purchase agreement (b)39
 18
 39
 15
Total subject to amortization$53
 $20
 $198
 $162

(a)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of coal contracts with terms favorable to market recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to these contracts, which was amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact.
(b)Gross carrying amount represents the fair value at the acquisition date of the OVEC power purchase contract recognized as a result of the 2010 acquisition by PPL. An offsetting regulatory liability was recorded related to this contract, which is being amortized over the same period as the intangible asset, eliminating any income statement impact. See Note 6 for additional information.

Long-term intangible assets are presented as "Other intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.

Amortization expense was as follows:
 2017 2016 2015
Intangible assets with no regulatory offset$
 $1
 $
Intangible assets with regulatory offset3
 11
 27
Total$3
 $12
 $27


233



 Amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be:
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$3
 $3
 $2
 $2
 $2
 20242025202620272028
Intangible assets with regulatory offset$$$$— $— 
 
19. Asset Retirement Obligations
(PPL)
WPD has recorded conditional AROs required by U.K. law related to treated wood poles, gas-filled switchgear and fluid-filled cables.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric has identified legal retirement obligations for the retirement of certain transmission assets that could not be reasonably estimated due to indeterminable settlement dates. These assets are located on rights-of-way that allow the grantor to require PPL Electric to relocate or remove the assets. Since this option is at the discretion of the grantor of the right-of-way, PPL Electric is unable to determine when these events may occur.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL's, LG&E's and KU's AROsARO liabilities are primarily related to CCR closure costs. See Note 13 for information on the final retirement of assets associated with generating units.CCR rule. LG&E and RIE also hashave AROs related to natural gas mains and wells. LG&E's and KU's transmission and distribution lines largely operate under perpetual property easement agreements, which do not generally require restoration upon removal of the property. Therefore, no material AROs are recorded for transmission and distribution assets. As described in Notes 1For LG&E, KU, and 6, for LKE, LG&E and KU,RIE , all ARO accretion and depreciation expenses are reclassified as a regulatory asset.asset or regulatory liability. ARO regulatory assets associated with certain CCR projects are amortized to expense in accordance with regulatory approvals. For other AROs, at the time of retirement, the related ARO regulatory assetdeferred accretion and depreciation expense is offset against the associatedrecovered through cost of removal regulatory liability, PP&E and ARO liability.removal.

The changes in the carrying amounts of AROs were as follows:
 PPL LKE LG&E KU
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
ARO at beginning of period$488
 $586
 $433
 $535
 $145
 $175
 $288
 $360
Accretion21
 24
 20
 22
 7
 7
 13
 15
Changes in estimated timing or cost (a)(73) (84) (54) (95) (8) (19) (46) (76)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates4
 (9) 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations settled(43) (29) (43) (29) (23) (18) (20) (11)
ARO at end of period$397
 $488
 $356
 $433
 $121
 $145
 $235
 $288

(a)LKE recorded decreases of $60 million ($52 million at KU and $8 million at LG&E) and $114 million ($90 million at KU and $24 million at LG&E) to the existing AROs during 2017 and 2016 related to the closure of CCR impoundments. These revisions are the result of changes in closure plans related to expected costs and timing of closures. Further changes to AROs, capital plans or operating costs may be required as estimates of future cash flows are refined based on closure developments and regulatory or legal proceedings.

See Note 13 for information on the final CCR rule and Note 6 for information on the rate recovery applications.
 PPLLG&EKU
 202320222023202220232022
ARO at beginning of period$177 $189 $86 $84 $82 $105 
Acquisition of RIE— 10 — — — — 
Accretion
Obligations incurred— 
Changes in estimated timing or cost15 15 11 12 
Obligations settled(39)(45)(11)(15)(28)(30)
Other(6)— (6)— — — 
ARO at end of period$158 $177 $85 $86 $66 $82 
 
20. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(PPL and LKE)(PPL)

The after-tax changes in AOCI by component for the years ended December 31 were as follows:



234
181


  Defined benefit plans 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
Unrealized gains (losses) on
qualifying
derivatives
Equity
investees'
AOCI
Prior
service
costs
Actuarial
gain
(loss)
Total
PPL      
December 31, 2020$(1,158)$— $— $(16)$(3,046)$(4,220)
Amounts arising during the year372 (39)— — (1)332 
Reclassifications from AOCI— 25 — 126 153 
Reclassifications from AOCI due to the sale of the U.K. utility business (Note 9)786 15 — 2,769 3,578 
Net OCI during the year1,158 — 10 2,894 4,063 
December 31, 2021$— $$— $(6)$(152)$(157)
Amounts arising during the year— — (1)11 12 
Reclassifications from AOCI— — 17 21 
Net OCI during the year— 28 33 
December 31, 2022$— $$$(5)$(124)$(124)
Amounts arising during the year— — — (41)(40)
Reclassifications from AOCI— — (3)
Net OCI during the year— (44)(39)
December 31, 2023$— $$$(4)$(168)$(163)


   Unrealized gains (losses)   Defined benefit plans  
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Available-
for-sale
securities
 
Qualifying
derivatives
 
Equity
investees'
AOCI
 
Prior
service
costs
 
Actuarial
gain
(loss)
 Total
PPL             
December 31, 2014$(286) $201
 $20
 $1
 $3
 $(2,213) $(2,274)
Amounts arising during the year(234) 8
 26
 
 (9) (366) (575)
Reclassifications from AOCI
 (2) 2
 (1) 
 146
 145
Net OCI during the year(234) 6
 28
 (1) (9) (220) (430)
Distribution of PPL Energy
Supply (See Note 8)

 (207) (55) 
 
 238
 (24)
December 31, 2015$(520) $
 $(7) $
 $(6) $(2,195) $(2,728)
              
Amounts arising during the year(1,107) 
 91
 
 (3) (61) (1,080)
Reclassifications from AOCI
 
 (91) (1) 1
 121
 30
Net OCI during the year(1,107) 
 
 (1) (2) 60
 (1,050)
December 31, 2016$(1,627) $
 $(7) $(1) $(8) $(2,135) $(3,778)
              
Amounts arising during the year538
 
 (79) 
 
 (308) 151
Reclassifications from AOCI
 
 73
 1
 1
 130
 205
Net OCI during the year538
 
 (6) 1
 1
 (178) 356
December 31, 2017$(1,089) $
 $(13) $
 $(7) $(2,313) $(3,422)
              
LKE             
December 31, 2014 
  
  
 $
 $(8) $(37) $(45)
Amounts arising during the year 
  
  
 
 (3) (4) (7)
Reclassifications from AOCI      
 1
 5
 6
Net OCI during the year 
  
  
 
 (2) 1
 (1)
December 31, 2015 
  
  
 $
 $(10) $(36) $(46)
              
Amounts arising during the year 
  
  
 
 
 (27) (27)
Reclassifications from AOCI 
  
  
 (1) 2
 2
 3
Net OCI during the year 
  
  
 (1) 2
 (25) (24)
December 31, 2016 
  
  
 $(1) $(8) $(61) $(70)
              
Amounts arising during the year   
  
 
 (2) (23) (25)
Reclassifications from AOCI 
  
  
 1
 1
 5
 7
Net OCI during the year 
  
  
 1
 (1) (18) (18)
December 31, 2017 
  
  
 $
 $(9) $(79) $(88)

The following table presents PPL's gains (losses) and related income taxes for reclassifications from AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015. LKE amounts are insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.2021. The defined benefit plan components of AOCI are not reflected in their entirety in the statement of income; rather, they are included in the computation of net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) and subject to capitalization. See Note 11 for additional information.
PPL
Details about AOCI202320222021Affected Line Item on the
Statements of Income
Qualifying derivatives    
Interest rate swaps$(3)$(3)$11 Interest Expense
Cross-currency swaps— — (2)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
— — (39)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Total Pre-tax(3)(3)(30) 
Income Taxes—  
Total After-tax(3)(2)(25) 
Defined benefit plans    
Prior service costs(2)(3)(3) 
Net actuarial loss(24)(159) 
Total Pre-tax(27)(162) 
Income Taxes34  
Total After-tax(19)(128) 
Sale of the U.K. utility business (Note 9)
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — (646)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Qualifying derivatives— — (15)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Defined benefit plans— — (3,577)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
Total Pre-tax— — (4,238)
Income Taxes— — 660 
Total After-tax— — (3,578)
Total reclassifications during the year$(1)$(21)$(3,731) 


182
  PPL  
Details about AOCI 2017 2016 2015 Affected Line Item on the
Statements of Income
Available-for-sale securities $
 $
 $4
 Other Income (Expense) - net
Total Pre-tax 
 
 4
  
Income Taxes 
 
 (2)  
Total After-tax 
 
 2
  


235


  PPL  
Details about AOCI 2017 2016 2015 Affected Line Item on the
Statements of Income
         
Qualifying derivatives        
Interest rate swaps (9) (7) (11) Interest Expense
  
 
 (77) Discontinued operations
Cross-currency swaps (82) 116
 49
 Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 3
 2
 Interest Expense
Commodity contracts 
 
 20
 Discontinued operations
Total Pre-tax (91) 112
 (17)  
Income Taxes 18
 (21) 15
  
Total After-tax (73) 91
 (2)  
         
Equity Investees' AOCI (1) 1
 1
 Other Income (Expense) - net
Total Pre-tax (1) 1
 1
  
Income Taxes 
 
 
  
Total After-tax (1) 1
 1
  
         
Defined benefit plans        
Prior service costs (2) (2) 
  
Net actuarial loss (167) (156) (192)  
Total Pre-tax (169) (158) (192)  
Income Taxes 38
 36
 46
  
Total After-tax (131) (122) (146)  
Total reclassifications during the year $(205) $(30) $(145)  
21. New Accounting Guidance Pending Adoption

(All Registrants)

Accounting for Revenue from Contracts with CustomersImprovements to Reportable Segment Disclosures

In May 2014,November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)FASB issued accounting guidanceASU 2023-07 which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about segment expenses. The standard also requires public entities to disclose the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) and explain how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Disclosure of certain segment-related disclosures that establishes a comprehensive new model for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. This model is basedpreviously were required only on the core principlean annual basis will be required in interim periods. In addition, public entities that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
The Registrants have completed an assessment of their revenue under this new guidance and have determined it will not have a material impact on their current revenue recognition policies. The Registrants' operating revenuessingle reportable segment are derived primarily from tariff-based sales that result from providing electricity and natural gasrequired to customers with no defined contractual term. Tariff-based sales are within the scope ofprovide disclosures required by the new guidance,ASU and operating revenues under the newexisting segment disclosure in Topic 280 (Segment Reporting).

For public business entities, this guidance will be equivalentapplied retrospectively to the electricity and natural gas delivered and billedall prior periods presented in that period (including estimated billings), which is consistent with current practice.
The disclosure requirements included in the standard will result in increased information being provided to enable the users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The Registrants will include disaggregation of revenues by geographic location, customer class or type of service, as applicable. Some revenue arrangements, including alternative revenue programs and lease income, are excluded from the scope of the new guidance and will be accounted for and disclosed separately from revenues from contracts with customers. The Registrants will also disclose the opening and closing balances of accounts receivable and any contract assets or contract liabilities resulting from contracts with customers.

The Registrants adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method.



236


Accounting for Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance for leases. This new guidance requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model for lessees, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright line tests.
Lessor accounting under the new guidance is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition standard. Similar to current practice, lessors will classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type.
The standard is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. One of these practical expedients allows entities to elect to not evaluate land easements as leases that exist or expired before the adoption date and were not previously accounted for as leases under current lease guidance. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.

The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance. The Registrants will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2019.


Accounting for Financial Instrument Credit LossesImprovements to Income Tax Disclosures

In June 2016,December 2023, the FASB issued accounting guidance thatASU 2023-09 which requires the use ofpublic business entities to provide additional income tax disclosures including a current expected credit loss (CECL) model for the measurement of credit lossesdisaggregated rate reconciliation as well as information on financial instruments within the scope of this guidance, which includes accounts receivable. The CECL model requires an entity to measure credit losses using historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events, rather than the incurred loss impairment model required under current GAAP.income taxes paid.


For public business entities, this guidance will be applied usingon a modified retrospective approach andprospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. This guidance will be effective for fiscal yearsannual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years. All entities may early adopt this guidance beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years.2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance.


The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance and the period they will adopt it.

Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the income statement presentation of net periodic benefit cost. This new guidance requires the service cost component to be disaggregated from other components of net benefit cost and presented in the same income statement line items as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The other components of net periodic benefits will be presented separately from the line items that include the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. Only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization.

For public business entities, the guidance on the presentation of the components of net periodic benefit costs will be applied retrospectively. The guidance that limits the capitalization to the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs will be applied prospectively. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The Registrants adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018.

For PPL’s, LKE’s and LG&E’s U.S. defined benefit pension and PPL's and LKE's other postretirement benefit plans, the adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on either the presentation on the income statements or the amounts capitalized and related impact to expense, as the difference between the service cost and the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs has not historically been and is not expected to be material in 2018.


guidance.


237
183


For PPL’s U.K. defined benefit pension plans, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost has been in a net-credit position for the current reporting periods and is expected to continue to be in a net-credit position for 2018. Therefore, the estimated impact of adopting this new guidance related to the non-service cost component credits to be reclassified from “Other operation and maintenance” to “Other Income (Expense)-net” on the Statements of Income is approximately $175 million and $120 million for the years ended 2017 and 2016.

The Registrants are finalizing the expected 2018 impacts of adopting the guidance as the amounts are affected by market conditions and assumptions selected at December 31, 2017.

Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance that reduces complexity when applying hedge accounting as well as improves transparency about an entity's risk management activities. This guidance eliminates recognizing hedge ineffectiveness for cash flow and net investment hedges and provides for the ability to perform subsequent effectiveness assessments qualitatively. The guidance also makes certain changes to allowable methodologies such as allowing entities to apply the short-cut method to partial-term fair value hedges of interest rate risk as well as expands the ability to apply the critical terms match method to cash flow hedges of groups of forecasted transactions. The guidance also updates certain recognition and presentation requirements as well as disclosure requirements.

For public business entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. This standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach and provides for certain transition elections that must be made prior to the first effectiveness testing date after adoption.

The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance and the period they will adopt it.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance that simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating the second step of the quantitative test. The second step of the quantitative test requires a calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill, which is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill in a business combination. Under this new guidance, an entity will now compare the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognize an impairment charge for the amount the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit.

For public business entities, this guidance will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities may early adopt this guidance for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.

The Registrants are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance and the period they will adopt it.

(PPL and LKE)

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that gives entities the option to reclassify tax effects stranded within AOCI as a result of the TCJA to retained earnings. The reclassification applies only to those stranded tax effects arising from the TCJA enactment. Certain disclosures related to the stranded tax effects, including a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from AOCI, are required.
For all entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the TCJA is recognized.
The Registrants are currently assessing this guidance and the period in which they will adopt it.



238


SCHEDULE I - PPL CORPORATION
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars, except share data)
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Revenues$
 $
 $
      
Operating Expenses     
Other operation and maintenance2
 2
 9
Total Operating Expenses2
 2
 9
      
Operating Loss(2) (2) (9)
      
Other Income (Expense) - net     
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries1,175
 1,915
 711
Other income (expense)(1) (1) (15)
Total1,174
 1,914
 696
      
Interest Expense8
 8
 9
      
Interest Expense with Affiliates16
 10
 10
      
Income Before Income Taxes1,148
 1,894
 668
      
Income Taxes20
 (8) (14)
      
Net Income$1,128
 $1,902
 $682
      
Total other comprehensive income (loss)356
 (1,050) (430)
      
Comprehensive Income Attributable to PPL Shareowners$1,484
 $852
 $252
      
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:     
Net Income Available to PPL Common Shareowners:     
Basic$1.64
 $2.80
 $1.01
Diluted$1.64
 $2.79
 $1.01
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)     
Basic685,240
 677,592
 669,814
Diluted687,334
 680,446
 672,586

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


239


SCHEDULE I - PPL CORPORATION
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars)

 2017 2016 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$1,108
 $1,563
 $993
      
Cash Flows from Investing Activities     
Capital contributions to affiliated subsidiaries(585) (308) (491)
Return of capital from affiliated subsidiaries
 
 112
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(585) (308) (379)
      
Cash Flows from Financing Activities     
Issuance of equity, net of issuance costs453
 144
 203
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt with affiliates113
 (341) 215
Payment of common stock dividends(1,072) (1,030) (1,004)
Other(21) (24) (28)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(527) (1,251) (614)
      
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 
  
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period4
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$
 $4
 $
      
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:     
Cash Dividends Received from Subsidiaries$1,253
 $1,510
 $1,198

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


240


SCHEDULE I - PPL CORPORATION   
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
 2017 2016
Assets   
    
Current Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $4
Accounts Receivable   
Other7
 7
Affiliates17
 10
Price risk management assets196
 63
Total Current Assets220
 84
    
Investments   
Affiliated companies at equity11,141
 10,160
    
Other Noncurrent Assets   
Deferred income taxes46
 70
Price risk management assets186
 284
Other noncurrent assets1
 1
Total Other Noncurrent Assets233
 355
    
Total Assets$11,594
 $10,599
    
    
Liabilities and Equity   
    
Current Liabilities   
Short-term debt with affiliates$157
 $44
Accounts payable with affiliates2
 30
Dividends273
 259
Price risk management liabilities233
 237
Other current liabilities19
 20
Total Current Liabilities684
 590
    
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities149
 110
    
Equity   
Common stock - $0.01 par value (a)7
 7
Additional paid-in capital10,305
 9,841
Earnings reinvested3,871
 3,829
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,422) (3,778)
Total Equity10,761
 9,899
    
Total Liabilities and Equity$11,594
 $10,599
(a)1,560,000 shares authorized; 693,398 and 679,731 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


241



SCHEDULE I - PPL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation
PPL Corporation is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. Substantially all of its consolidated assets are held by such subsidiaries. PPL Corporation uses the equity method to account for its investments in entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. PPL Corporation's cash flow and its ability to meet its obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of these subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of such earnings to it in the form of dividends, loans or advances or repayment of loans and advances from it. These condensed financial statements and related footnotes have been prepared in accordance with Reg. §210.12-04 of Regulation S-X. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of PPL Corporation.
PPL Corporation indirectly or directly owns all of the ownership interests of its significant subsidiaries. PPL Corporation relies on dividends or loans from its subsidiaries to fund PPL Corporation's dividends to its common shareowners and to meet its other cash requirements. See Note 7 to PPL Corporation's consolidated financial statements for discussions related to restricted net assets of its subsidiaries for the purposes of transferring funds to PPL in the form of distributions, loans or advances.
2. Commitments and Contingencies
See Note 13 to PPL Corporation's consolidated financial statements for commitments and contingencies of its subsidiaries.
Guarantees and Other Assurances
PPL Corporation's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts that may become due under PPL Corporation's guarantees or other assurances or to make any funds available for such payment.
PPL Corporation fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment of principal, premium and interest on all of the debt securities of PPL Capital Funding. The estimated maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required under the guarantees at December 31, 2017 was $9.7 billion. These guarantees will expire in 2073. The probability of expected payment under these guarantees is remote.



242


SCHEDULE I - LG&E and KU Energy LLC
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars)
 2017 2016 2015
Other Income (Expense) - net     
Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries$397
 $452
 $390
Interest Income with Affiliate14
 9
 4
Total411
 461
 394
      
Interest Expense30
 29
 39
      
Interest Expense with Affiliate20
 18
 5
      
Income Before Income Taxes361
 414
 350
      
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)45
 (15) (14)
      
Net Income$316
 $429
 $364
      
Total other comprehensive loss(18) (24) (1)
      
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Member$298
 $405
 $363

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


243


SCHEDULE I - LG&E and KU Energy LLC
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars)
 2017 2016 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$401
 $285
 $246
      
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
  
Capital contributions to affiliated subsidiaries(30) (91) (140)
Net decrease (increase) in notes receivable from affiliates(28) 47
 73
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(58) (44) (67)
      
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
  
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates58
 90
 315
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
 (75) 
Retirement of long-term debt
 
 (400)
Contribution from member
 61
 125
Distribution to member(402) (316) (219)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(344) (240) (179)
      
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents(1) 1
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period1
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$
 $1
 $
      
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 
  
  
Cash Dividends Received from Subsidiaries$418
 $376
 $272

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


244


SCHEDULE I - LG&E and KU Energy LLC
CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31,
(Millions of Dollars)
 2017 2016
Assets 
  
Current Assets 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $1
Accounts receivable1
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates8
 23
Income taxes receivable1
 31
Notes receivable from affiliates1,035
 1,007
Total Current Assets1,045
 1,062
    
Investments 
  
Affiliated companies at equity5,209
 5,219
    
Other Noncurrent Assets 
  
Deferred income taxes263
 227
    
Total Assets$6,517
 $6,508
    
Liabilities and Equity 
  
    
Current Liabilities 
  
Notes payable to affiliates$241
 $179
Accounts payable to affiliates469
 450
Taxes35
 
Other current liabilities5
 6
Total Current Liabilities750
 635
    
Long-term Debt 
  
Long-term debt722
 721
Notes payable to affiliates476
 480
Total Long-term Debt1,198
 1,201
    
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities6
 5
    
Equity4,563
 4,667
    
Total Liabilities and Equity$6,517
 $6,508

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.


245


Schedule I - LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Notes to Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation

LG&E and KU Energy LLC (LKE) is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. Substantially all of its consolidated assets are held by such subsidiaries. LKE uses the equity method to account for its investments in entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. LKE's cash flow and its ability to meet its obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of these subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of such earnings to it in the form of dividends or repayment of loans and advances from the subsidiaries. These condensed financial statements and related footnotes have been prepared in accordance with Reg. §210.12-04 of Regulation S-X. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of LKE.
LKE indirectly or directly owns all of the ownership interests of its significant subsidiaries. LKE relies primarily on dividends from its subsidiaries to fund LKE's distributions to its member and to meet its other cash requirements. See Note 7 to LKE's consolidated financial statements for discussions related to restricted net assets of its subsidiaries for the purposes of transferring funds to LKE in the form of distributions, loans or advances.
2. Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 13 to LKE's consolidated financial statements for commitments and contingencies of its subsidiaries.
Guarantees
LKE provides certain indemnifications covering the due and punctual payment, performance and discharge by each party of its respective obligations. The most comprehensive of these guarantees is the LKE guarantee covering operational, regulatory and environmental commitments and indemnifications made by WKE under a 2009 Transaction Termination Agreement. This guarantee has a term of 12 years ending July 2021, and a maximum exposure of $200 million, exclusive of certain items such as government fines and penalties that may exceed the maximum. Another WKE-related LKE guarantee formerly covered other indemnifications related to the purchase price of excess power, had a term expiring in 2023, and a maximum exposure of $100 million, which excess power matter and related indemnifications had been the subject of a dispute and legal proceeding among the parties. In December 2017, the parties executed settlement agreements which resolved all claims relating to the excess power matter, and terminated such guarantee, for $11 million.

Additionally, LKE has indemnified various third parties related to historical obligations for other divested subsidiaries and affiliates. The indemnifications vary by entity and the maximum exposures range from being capped at the sale price to no specified maximum. LKE could be required to perform on these indemnifications in the event of covered losses or liabilities being claimed by an indemnified party. LKE cannot predict the ultimate outcomes of the various indemnification scenarios, but does not expect such outcomes to result in significant losses above the amounts recorded.

3. Long-Term Debt

See Note 7 to LKE's consolidated financial statements for the terms of LKE's outstanding senior unsecured notes outstanding. Of the total outstanding, $475 million matures in 2020 and $250 million matures in 2021. These maturities are based on stated maturities. Also see Note 7 to LKE's consolidated financial statements for the terms of LKE's $400 million note payable to a PPL affiliate. This note matures in 2026. LKE's $76 million note payable to LG&E and KU Services Company bears a variable interest rate, which resets each quarter based on LIBOR. The rate at December 31, 2017 was 2.1%. This note matures in 2019.



246


QUARTERLY FINANCIAL, COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA (Unaudited)
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data)
 For the Quarters Ended (a)
 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
2017       
Operating revenues$1,951
 $1,725
 $1,845
 $1,926
Operating income796
 702
 777
 793
Net income403
 292
 355
 78
Net income available to PPL common shareowners: (b) 
  
  
  
Basic EPS0.59
 0.43
 0.52
 0.11
Diluted EPS0.59
 0.43
 0.51
 0.11
Dividends declared per share of common stock (c)0.3950
 0.3950
 0.3950
 0.3950
Price per common share: 
  
  
  
High$37.70
 $40.06
 $39.83
 $38.37
Low33.94
 37.11
 37.36
 30.76
        
2016       
Operating revenues$2,011
 $1,785
 $1,889
 $1,832
Operating income823
 725
 786
 714
Net income481
 483
 473
 465
Net income available to PPL common shareowners: (b) 
  
  
  
Basic EPS0.71
 0.71
 0.70
 0.68
Diluted EPS0.71
 0.71
 0.69
 0.68
Dividends declared per share of common stock (c)0.38
 0.38
 0.38
 0.38
Price per common share: 
  
  
  
High$38.07
 $39.68
 $37.71
 $34.74
Low32.80
 36.27
 33.63
 32.19

(a)Quarterly results can vary depending on, among other things, weather. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.
(b)The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal annual earnings per share due to changes in the number of common shares outstanding during the year or rounding.
(c)PPL has paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in every year since 1946. Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.




247


QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Millions of Dollars)
 For the Quarters Ended (a)
 March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
2017       
Operating revenues$573
 $500
 $547
 $575
Operating income159
 156
 189
 197
Net income79
 77
 95
 111
        
2016       
Operating revenues$585
 $495
 $539
 $537
Operating income180
 154
 176
 154
Net income94
 79
 90
 77
(a)PPL Electric's business is seasonal in nature, with peak sales periods generally occurring in the winter and summer months. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.



248


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company


The Registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the Registrants' disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) have concluded that, as of December 31, 2017,2023, the Registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the Registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, particularly during the period for which this annual report has been prepared. The aforementioned principal officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officers and principal financial officers, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Kentucky Utilities Company


The Registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that there were no changes in the Registrants' internal control over financial reporting during the Registrants' fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants' internal control over financial reporting.


Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


PPL Corporation


PPL's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f). PPL's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to PPL's management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2023. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report contained on page 95.firm.


PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company


Management of PPL's non-accelerated filer companies, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f). Each of the aforementioned companies' internal control over financial reporting is a process


249


designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and Board of Directors of these companies regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted


184

accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officers and principal financial officers of the companies listed above, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (2013), management of these companies concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2023. This annual report does not include an attestation report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the companies' independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting for these non-accelerated filer companies. The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for the aforementioned companies was not subject to attestation by the companies' registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit these companies to provide only management's report in this annual report.



185

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of PPL Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 16, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Morristown, New Jersey
February 16, 2024



186


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION


PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company


(a)None.

(b)Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted, terminated or modified any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
 
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

Not applicable.



187


PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PPL Corporation

Additional information forrequired by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to, and will be set forthcontained in, the sections entitled "Nominees for Directors," "Board Committees - Board Committee Membership" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in PPL's 2018 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later thanwithin 120 days after December 31, 2017, and which2023. Accordingly, we have omitted the information is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no changesfrom this Item pursuant to the procedures by which shareowners may recommend nominees to PPL's boardGeneral Instruction G(3) of directors since the filing with the SEC of PPL's 2017 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.Form 10-K.

PPL has adopted a code of ethics entitled "Standards of Integrity" that applies to all directors, managers, trustees, officers (including the principal executive officers, principal financial officers and principal accounting officers (each, a "principal officer")), employees and agents of PPL and PPL's subsidiaries for which it has operating control (PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU). The "Standards of Integrity" are posted on PPL's Internet website: www.pplweb.com/Standards-of-Integrity. A description of any amendment to the "Standards of Integrity" (other than a technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendment) will be posted on PPL's Internet website within four business days following the date of the amendment. In addition, if a waiver constituting a material departure from a provision of the "Standards of Integrity" is granted to one of the principal officers, a description of the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted and the date of the waiver will be posted on PPL's Internet website within four business days following the date of the waiver.
PPL also has adopted its "Guidelines for Corporate Governance," which address, among other things, director qualification standards and director and board committee responsibilities. These guidelines, and the charters of each of the committees of PPL's board of directors, are posted on PPL's Internet website: www.pplweb.com/Guidelines and www.pplweb.com/board-committees.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

Item 10 is omitted as PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.




250188



EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
 
Officers of the Registrants are elected annually by their Boards of Directors to serve at the pleasure of the respective Boards. There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers, nor is there any arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected.
 
There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any executive officer during the past five years.
 
Listed below are the executive officers at December 31, 2017.2023.
 
PPL Corporation
NameAge
NameAgePositions Held During the Past Five YearsDates
William H. SpenceVincent Sorgi5260Chairman, President and Chief Executive OfficerApril 2012June 2020 - present
President and Chief Operating OfficerJuly 2019 - May 2020
Joanne H. Raphael58Senior Vice President, General Counsel and SecretaryJune 2015 - present
SeniorExecutive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer-PPL ServicesFinancial OfficerOctober 2012January 2019 - May 2015June 2019
Vincent Sorgi46Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerJune 2014 - presentJanuary 2019
Vice President and ControllerMarch 2010 - June 2014
Gregory N. Dudkin (a)60President-PPL ElectricMarch 2012 - present
Victor A. Staffieri (a)62Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer-LKEJanuary 2017 - present
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President-LKEMay 2001 - December 2016
Paul W. Thompson (a)60President and Chief Operating Officer-LKEJanuary 2017 - present
Chief Operating Officer-LKEFebruary 2013 - December 2016
Robert A. Symons (a)64Chief Executive-WPDJanuary 2000 - present
Joseph P. Bergstein, Jr. (b)5347Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerApril 2021 - present
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerJuly 2019 - April 2021
Vice President-Investor Relations and Corporate
Development & Planning
January 2018 - June 2019
Vice President-Investor Relations and TreasurerJanuary 2016 - December 31, 2017
Angela K. Gosman55Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources OfficerJanuary 2023 - present
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources OfficerVice President-Investor Relations and Financial Planning-PPL ServicesFebruary 2015January 2022 - December 20152022
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer-PPL ServicesInvestor Relations Vice President-PPL ServicesApril 2012August 2021 - February 2015December 2021
Vice President - Human Resources-PPL EU ServicesMay 2020 - July 2021
Stephen K. BreiningerDirector - Human Resources-LKESeptember 2016 - May 2020
Wendy E. Stark4451Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate SecretaryJanuary 2023 - present
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal OfficerJanuary 2022 - December 2022
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate SecretaryApril 2021 - December 2021
Francis X. Sullivan67Executive Vice President and Chief Operating OfficerJanuary 2023 - present
Vice President-Operations Performance-PPL ServicesOctober 2021 - December 2022
David J. Bonenberger (a)62President-RIEMay 2022 - present
Vice President-Operations Integration-PPL ServicesApril 2021 - present
Vice President-Transmission and Substations-PPL ElectricJanuary 2018 - April 2021
Vice President-Distribution Operations-PPL ElectricJuly 2021 - December 2017
John R. Crockett III (a)59President-LKEOctober 2021 - present
General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary - LKEJanuary 2018 - September 2021
Christine M. Martin (a)51President-PPL ElectricSeptember 2023 - present
Senior Vice President-Public Affairs and Chief Sustainability OfficerJanuary 2023 - August 2023


189

NameAgePositions Held During the Past Five YearsDates
Vice President-Public Affairs and Chief Sustainability OfficerApril 2022 - January 2023
Vice President-Public Affairs and SustainabilityAugust 2018 - April 2022
Tadd J. Henninger48Senior Vice President-Finance and TreasurerJanuary 2023 - present
Vice President-Finance and TreasurerJuly 2019 - January 2023
Vice President and TreasurerJanuary 2018 - July 2019
Marlene C. Beers52Vice President and ControllerJanuary 2015March 2019 - present
Vice President-Finance and Regulatory Affairs and Controller-PPL ElectricControllerJune 2014August 2018 - January 2015
Assistant Controller-Business LinesMarch 2013 - June 2014
Controller-Supply AccountingApril 2010 - March 2013February 2019
 
(a)Designated an executive officer of PPL by virtue of their respective positions at a PPL subsidiary.
(b)Effective January 1, 2018, Tadd J. Henninger was elected Vice President and Treasurer of PPL and was deemed to be an executive officer of PPL as of that date. Mr. Bergstein's title changed on that date to Vice President-Investor Relations and Corporate Development & Planning of PPL.

(a)Designated an executive officer of PPL by virtue of their respective positions at a PPL subsidiary.



251


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


PPL Corporation

Information forThe information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to, and will be set forthcontained in, the sections entitled "Compensation of Directors," "The Board's Role in Risk Oversight," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Executive Compensation" in PPL's 2018 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later thanwithin 120 days after December 31, 2017, and which2023. Accordingly, we have omitted the information is incorporated herein by reference.from this Item pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K.
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
 
Item 11 is omitted as PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

PPL Corporation

Information forAdditional information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to, and will be set forthcontained in, the section entitled "Stock Ownership" in PPL's 2018 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later thanwithin 120 days after December 31, 2017, and which2023. Accordingly, we have omitted the information is incorporated herein by reference.from this Item pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K. In addition, provided below in tabular format is information as of December 31, 2017,2023, with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of PPL are authorized for issuance.


Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights (3)
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (3)
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans (4)
Equity compensation     
 
plans approved by495,422
– ICP$39.88
– ICP1,720,050
– DDCP
security holders (1)
1,329,058
– SIP$26.21
– SIP10,506,026
– SIP
 1,937,703
– ICPKE$28.95
– ICPKE1,598,811
– ICPKE
 3,762,183
– Total$29.42
– Combined13,824,887
– Total
       
Equity compensation      
plans not approved by      
security holders (2)
      
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans(3)(4)
(1)Includes (a) the ICP, under which stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards were awarded to executive officers of PPL and no awards remain for issuance under this plan; (b) the ICPKE, under which stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards may be awarded to non-executive key employees of PPL and its subsidiaries; (c) the PPL 2012 SIP
Equity compensation1,185,379 – DDCP
plans approved by shareowners in 2012 under which stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards may be awarded to executive officers of PPL and its subsidiaries; and (d) the DDCP, under which stock units may be awarded to directors of PPL. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
9,173,480 – SIP
(2)
security holders (1)
All of PPL's current353,965 – ICPKE
10,712,824 – Total
Equity compensation
plans under which equity securities of PPL are authorized for issuance have beennot approved by PPL's shareowners.
(3)
security holders (2)
Relates to common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options awarded under the ICP, SIP and ICPKE as of December 31, 2017. In addition, as of December 31, 2017, the following other securities had been awarded and are outstanding under the ICP, SIP, ICPKE and DDCP:  602,975 restricted stock units, 643,372 TSR performance awards and 67,916 ROE performance awards under the SIP; 941,524 restricted stock units 376,265 TSR performance awards and 29,013 ROE performance awards under the ICPKE; and 425,859 stock units under the DDCP.


(1)Includes (a) the ICPKE, under which restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based compensation awards may be awarded to non-executive key employees of PPL and its subsidiaries; (b) the SIP approved by shareowners in 2017 under which restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, dividend


252
190


equivalents and other stock-based compensation awards may be awarded to executive officers of PPL and its subsidiaries; and (c) the DDCP, under which stock units may be awarded to directors of PPL. 
(4)Based upon the following aggregate award limitations under the ICP, SIP, ICPKE and DDCP: (a) under the ICP, 15,769,431 awards (i.e., 5% of the total PPL common stock outstanding as of April 23, 1999) granted after April 23, 1999; (b) under the SIP, 15,000,000 awards; (c) under the ICPKE, 16,573,608 awards (i.e., 5% of the total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1, 2003) granted after April 25, 2003, reduced by outstanding awards for which common stock was not yet issued as of such date of 2,373,812 resulting in a limit of 14,199,796; and (d) under the DDCP, the number of stock units available for issuance was reduced to 2,000,000 stock units in March 2012. In addition, each of the ICP and ICPKE includes an annual award limitation of 2% of total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1 of each year.

(2)All of PPL's current compensation plans under which equity securities of PPL are authorized for issuance have been approved by PPL's shareowners.
(3)As of December 31, 2023, there were 3,592,916 stock awards outstanding under the plans. The following stock awards are outstanding under the SIP, ICPKE and DDCP: 690,050 restricted stock units, 599,855 TSR performance awards, 178,917 ROE performance awards, 246,276 EG performance awards and 246,276 ESG performance awards under the SIP; 624,409 restricted stock units 167,612 TSR performance awards, 84,454 ROE performance awards, 49,945 EG performance awards and 49,945 ESG performance awards under the ICPKE; and 655,177 stock units under the DDCP.
(4)Based upon the following aggregate award limitations under the SIP, ICPKE and DDCP: (a) under the SIP, 15,000,000 awards; (b) under the ICPKE, 16,573,608 awards (i.e., 5% of the total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1, 2003) granted after April 25, 2003, reduced by outstanding awards for which common stock was not yet issued as of such date of 2,373,812 resulting in a limit of 14,199,796; and (c) under the DDCP, the number of stock units available for issuance was reduced to 2,000,000 stock units in March 2012. In addition, the ICPKE includes an annual award limitation of 2% of total PPL common stock outstanding as of January 1 of each year.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

Item 12 is omitted as PPL Electric, LG&E and KU Energy LLC,meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.



191

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PPL Corporation
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2023. Accordingly, we have omitted the information from this Item pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K.
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
 
Item 1213 is omitted as PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PPL Corporation
Information for this item will be set forth in the sections entitled "Transactions with Related Persons" and "Independence of Directors" in PPL's 2018 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
Item 13 is omitted as PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


PPL Corporation

Information forThe information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to, and will be set forthcontained in, the section entitled "Fees to Independent Auditor for 2017 and 2016" in PPL's 2018 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later thanwithin 120 days afterDecember 31, 2017, and which2023. Accordingly, we have omitted the information is incorporated herein by reference.from this Item pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

For the fiscal yearyears ended 20172023 and 2016,2022, Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) served as PPL Electric's independent auditor. The following table presents an allocation of fees billed, including expenses, by the independent auditor to PPL Electric, for professional services rendered for the auditaudits of PPL Electric's annual financial statements and for fees billed for other services rendered by Deloitte.
20232022
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$1,390 $1,221 
Audit-related fees (b)17 17 
 2017 2016
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$1,086
 $1,104
Audit-related fees (b)28
 
All other fees (c)253
 

(a)(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in PPL Electric's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.
(b)Includes fees for agreed upon procedures related to Annual EPA filings.
(c)Fees for a systems portfolio analysis.



253


LG&E and KU Energy LLC
For the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016, Deloitte served as LKE's independent auditor. The following table presents an allocation of fees billed, including expenses, by the independent auditor to LKE, for professional services rendered for the audits of LKE's annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in PPL Electric's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for fees billedservices in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for other services rendered by Deloitte.financings and filings made with the SEC.
(b)Fees for agreed-upon procedures related to annual EPA filings.
 2017 2016
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$1,717
 $1,767

(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in LKE's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.


Louisville Gas and Electric Company

For the fiscal years ended 20172023 and 2016,2022, Deloitte served as LG&E's independent auditor. The following table presents an allocation of fees billed, including expenses, by the independent auditor to LG&E, for professional services rendered for the audits of LG&E's annual financial statements and for fees billed for other services rendered by Deloitte.
 20232022
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$1,189 $831 
 2017 2016
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$826
 $814

(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in LG&E's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.
(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in LG&E's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.


Kentucky Utilities Company

For the fiscal years ended 20172023 and 2016,2022, Deloitte served as KU's independent auditor. The following table presents an allocation of fees billed, including expenses, by the independent auditor to KU, for professional services rendered for the audits of KU's annual financial statements and for fees billed for other services rendered by Deloitte.


192

  2017 2016
  
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a) $874
 $936
 20232022
 
(in thousands)
Audit fees (a)$1,175 $920 

(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in KU's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.

(a)Includes estimated fees for audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in KU's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.

PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

Approval of Fees. The Audit Committee of PPL has procedures for pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor. These procedures are designed to ensure the continued independence of the independent auditor. More specifically, the use of the independent auditor to perform either audit or non-audit services is prohibited unless specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee of PPL. As a result of this approval process, the Audit Committee of PPL has pre-approved specific categories of services and authorization levels. All services outside of the specified categories and all amounts exceeding the authorization levels are approved by the Chair of the Audit Committee of PPL, who serves as the Committee designee to review and approve audit and non-audit related services during the year. A listing of the approved audit and non-audit services is reviewed with the full Audit Committee of PPL no later than its next meeting.

The Audit Committee of PPL approved 100% of the 20172023 and 20162022 services provided by Deloitte.





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193



PART IV


 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company


(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.Financial Statements - Refer to the "Table of Contents" for an index of the financial statements included in this report.

2.Supplementary Data and Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule - included in response to Item 8.


1.Financial Statements - Refer to the "Table of Contents" for an index of the financial statements included in this report.

2.Supplementary Data and Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule I - PPL Corporation Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements.included in response to Item 8.
Schedule I - LG&E and KU Energy LLC Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements.


All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.


3.Exhibits

3.Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately following the signature pages."Shareowner and Investor Information." 





255
194



SHAREOWNER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION


Annual Meeting: The 20182024 annual meeting of shareowners of PPL will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at The PPL Center, 701 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania.15, 2024 in a virtual meeting format.

Proxy Statement Material: A proxy statement and notice of PPL's annual meeting will be provided to all shareowners who are holders of record as of February 28, 2018.2024. The latest proxy statement can be accessed at www.pplweb.com/PPLCorpProxy.

PPL Annual Report: The report will be published in the beginning of April and will be provided to all shareowners who are holders of record as of February 28, 2018.2024. The latest annual report can be accessed at www.pplweb.com/PPLCorpProxy.

Dividends: Subject to the declaration of dividends on PPL common stock by the PPL Board of Directors or its Executive Committee, dividends are paid on the first business day of April, July, October and January. The 20182024 record dates for dividends are expected to be March 9,8, June 8,10, September 10 and December 10.

PPL's Website(www.pplweb.com): Shareowners can access PPL publications such as annual and quarterly reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Forms 10-K and 10-Q), other PPL filings, corporate governance materials, news releases, stock quotes and historical performance. Visitors to our website can subscribe to receive automated email alerts for SEC filings, earnings releases, daily stock prices or other financial news.

Financial reports which are available at www.pplweb.com will be mailed without charge upon request by writing to:request.

By mail:
PPL Treasury Dept.
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Via
By email: invserv@pplweb.com

By telephone:
610-774-5151 or by calling:Toll-free at 1-800-345-3085
Shareowner Services, toll-free at 1-800-345-3085; or
PPL Corporate Offices at 610-774-5151.
Online Account Access: Registered shareowners can activate their account for online access by visiting shareowneronline.com.

Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plans (Plan): PPL offers investors the opportunity to acquire shares of PPL common stock through its Plan. Through the Plan, participants are eligible to invest up to $25,000 per calendar month in PPL common stock. Shareowners may choose to have dividends on their PPL common stock fully or partially reinvested in PPL common stock or can receive full payment of cash dividends by check or electronic funds transfer. Participants in the Plan may choose to have their common stock certificates deposited into their Plan account.

Direct Registration System: PPL participates in the Direct Registration System (DRS). Shareowners may choose to have their common stock certificates converted to book entry form within the DRS by submitting their certificates to PPL's transfer agent.

Listed Securities:

New York Stock Exchange

PPL Corporation:
Common Stock (Code: PPL)

PPL Capital Funding, Inc.:
2007 Series A Junior Subordinated Notes due 2067 (Code: PPL/67)
2013 Series B Junior Subordinated Notes due 2073 (Code: PPX)





256
195


Fiscal Agents:
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar; Dividend Disbursing Agent; Plan Administrator
Equiniti Trust Company
Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Toll Free: 1-800-345-3085
Outside U.S.: 651-450-4064
Website: shareowneronline.com

Indenture Trustee
The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporate Trust Administration
500 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15262





257
196



EXHIBIT INDEX
 
The following Exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the Exhibit number are filed herewith. The balance of the Exhibits has heretofore been filed with the Commission and pursuant to Rule 12(b)-32 are incorporated herein by reference. Exhibits indicated by a [_] are filed or listed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
-Securities Purchase and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, among PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation, and the several purchasers named in Schedule B thereto (Exhibit 1.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 10, 2014)
-Equity Distribution Agreement, dated February 26, 2015,23, 2018, by and among PPL Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith IncorporationJ.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch, Barclays Bank PLC and Citibank N.A. (Exhibit 1.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 26, 2015)23, 2018)
-Equity Distribution Agreement, dated February 26, 2015, by and among PPL Corporation and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Exhibit 1.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 26, 2015)
-Final Terms, dated November 14, 2017, of Western Power Distribution (South West) plc £250,000,000 2.375% Notes due May 2029 (Exhibit 1.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 16, 2017)
-Separation Agreement among PPL Corporation, Talen Energy Holdings, Inc., Talen Energy Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, Raven Power Holdings LLC, C/R Energy Jade, LLC and Sapphire Power Holdings LLC., dated as of June 9, 2014 (Exhibit 2.1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-32944) dated June 12, 2014)
-Transaction Agreement among PPL Corporation, Talen Energy Holdings, Inc., Talen Energy Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, Talen Energy Merger Sub, Inc., C/R Energy Jade, LLC, Sapphire Power Holdings LLC. and Raven Power Holdings LLC, dated as of June 9, 2014 (Exhibit 2.2 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-32944) dated June 12, 2014)
-Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, by and among PPL WPD Limited, National Grid Holdings One plc and National Grid plc. (Exhibit 2.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 18, 2021)
-Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2021, by and among PPL Energy Holdings, LLC, PPL Corporation (solely as guarantor), and National Grid USA (Exhibit 2.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 18, 2021)
-Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2021, by and among PPL Energy Holdings, LLC, PPL Corporation, National Grid USA and PPL Rhode Island Holdings, LLC (Exhibit 2(b)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021)
-Tax Deed, dated as of June 9, 2021, by and among PPL WPD Limited, National Grid Holdings One plc (Exhibit 2.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated June 14, 2021)
-Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of PPL Corporation, effective as of May 25, 2016 (Exhibit 3(i) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 26, 2016)
-Bylaws of PPL Corporation, effective as of December 18, 201516, 2022 (Exhibit 3(ii) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 21, 2015)19, 2022)
-Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, effective as of October 31, 2013 (Exhibit 3(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 2013)
-Bylaws of PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, effective as of October 27, 2015 (Exhibit 3(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2015)
-Articles of Organization of LG&E and KU Energy LLC, effective as of December 29, 2003 (Exhibit 3(a) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173665))
-Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of LG&E and KU Energy LLC, effective as of November  1, 2010 (Exhibit 3(b) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173665))
-Amendment to Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of LG&E and KU Energy LLC, effective as of November 25, 2013 (Exhibit 3(h)-2) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2013)


258


-Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Louisville Gas and Electric Company, effective as of November 6, 1996 (Exhibit 3(a) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173676))


197

-Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Louisville Gas and Electric Company, effective as of April 6, 2004 (Exhibit 3(b) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173676))
-Bylaws of Louisville Gas and Electric Company, effective as of December 16, 2003 (Exhibit 3(c) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173676))
-Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Kentucky Utilities Company, effective as of December 14, 1993 (Exhibit 3(a) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173675))
-Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Kentucky Utilities Company, effective as of April 8, 2004 (Exhibit 3(b) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173675))
-Bylaws of Kentucky Utilities Company, effective as of December 16, 2003 (Exhibit 3(c) to Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (File No. 333-173675))
-Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated December 1, 2016 (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Amendment No. 1 to PPL Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated October 2, 2017 (Exhibit 4(c) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)
-Trust Deed constituting £150 million 9.25% percent Bonds due 2020,Amendment No. 2 to PPL Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated November 9, 1995, between South Wales Electric plc and Bankers Trustee Company LimitedDecember 1, 2018 (Exhibit 4(k)4(a)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)2018)
-Amendment No. 3 to PPL Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated January 1, 2019 (Exhibit 4(a)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2018)
-Indenture, dated as of November 1, 1997, among PPL Corporation, PPL Capital Funding, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 12, 1997)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of June 14, 2012, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated June 14, 2012)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of October 15, 2012, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated October 15, 2012)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of May 24, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 24, 2013)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 11, dated as of May 24, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 24, 2013)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of May 24, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.4 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 24, 2013)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 13, dated as of March 10, 2014, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 10, 2014)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 14, dated as of March 10, 2014, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 10, 2014)




259198


-Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of May 17, 2016, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 17, 2016)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 16, dated as of September 8, 2017, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated September 6, 2017)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 17, dated as of March 16, 2001, among WPD Holdings UK, Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, Principal Paying Agent, and Transfer Agent and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg, S.A., as Paying and Transfer Agent (Exhibit 4(g) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2009)
-First Supplemental Indenture constituting the creation of $200 million 6.75% Notes due 2004, $200 million 6.875% Notes due 2007, $225 million 6.50% Notes due 2008, $100 million 7.25% Notes due 2017 and $300 million 7.375% Notes due 2028, dated as of March 16, 2001, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(n)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)
-Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2003, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(n)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)
-Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2014,April 1, 2020, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)dated April 3, 2020)
-Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2016 (Exhibit 4(d)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2001, by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 21, 2001)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of December 1, 2005, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated December 22, 2005)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of August 1, 2007, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 14, 2007)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of October 1, 2008, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(c) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated October 31, 2008)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of May 1, 2009, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated May 22, 2009)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 11, dated as of July 1, 2011, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated July 13, 2011)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of July 1, 2011, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated July 18, 2011)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 13, dated as of August 1, 2011, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 23, 2011)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 14, dated as of August 1, 2012, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated August 24, 2012)


260


-Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of July 1, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated July 11, 2013)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 16, dated as of June 1, 2014, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated June 5, 2014)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 17, dated as of October 1, 2015, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated October 1, 2015)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 18, dated as of March 1, 2016, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(c) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 10, 2016)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 19, dated as of May 1, 2017, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated May 11, 2017)


199

-Trust Deed constituting £200 million 5.875 percent Bonds due 2027,Supplemental Indenture No. 20, dated March 25, 2003, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limitedas of June 1, 2018, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(o)-14(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)dated June 14, 2018)
-Supplement,Supplemental Indenture No. 21, dated May 27, 2003,as of September 1, 2019, to said Trust Deed, constituting £50 million 5.875 percent Bonds due 2027Indenture (Exhibit 4(o)-24(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2004)dated September 6, 2019)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 22, dated as of September 15, 2020, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated October 1, 2020)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 23, dated as of June 15, 2020, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated June 24, 2021)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 24, dated as of March 1, 2023, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 2, 2023)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 25, dated as of January 1, 2024, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated January 5, 2024)
-Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2008, between Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority and PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated October 31, 2008)

-Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2016, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 10, 2016)
-Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2016, between PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-905) dated March 10, 2016)
-Trust Deed constituting £105 million 1.541 percent Index-Linked Notes due 2053, dated December 1, 2006, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and HSBC Trustee (CI) Limited (Exhibit 4(i) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Trust Deed constituting £120 million 1.541 percent Index-Linked Notes due 2056, dated December 1, 2006, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and HSBC Trustee (CI) Limited (Exhibit 4(j) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Trust Deed constituting £225 million 4.80436 percent Notes due 2037, dated December 21, 2006, between Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc and HSBC Trustee (CI) Limited (Exhibit 4(k) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2007, between PPL Capital Funding, Inc., PPL Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 20, 2007)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of March 1, 2007, to said Subordinated Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 20, 2007)


261


-Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of March 15, 2013, to said Subordinated Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 15, 2013)
-Trust Deed constituting £200 million 5.75 percent Notes due 2040, dated March 23, 2010, between Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2010)
-Trust Deed constituting £200 million 5.75 percent Notes due 2040, dated March 23, 2010, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2010)
-Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, between Kentucky Utilities Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(q)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of October 15, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(q)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of November 1, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(q)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of November 1, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 13, 2013)


200

-Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of September 1, 2015, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to Kentucky Utilities Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-3464) dated September 28, 2015)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of August 1, 2016, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to Kentucky Utilities Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-3464) dated August 26, 2016)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of August 1, 2018, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2018)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of March 1, 2019, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 1, 2019)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of May 15, 2020, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated June 3, 2020)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of March 1, 2023, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(c) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 20, 2023)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of November 1, 2023, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(e) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2023)
-Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(r)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of October 15, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(r)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of November 1, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(r)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of November 1, 2013, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 13, 2013)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of September 1, 2015, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-2893) dated September 28, 2015)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of September 1, 2016, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K (File No. 1-2893) dated September 15, 2016)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of May 15, 2017, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-2893) dated June 1, 2017)


262


-Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of NovemberMarch 1, 2010, between LG&E and KU Energy LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(s)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of November 1, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(s)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of September 1, 2011,2019, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated September 30, 2011)April 1, 2019)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of March 1, 2023, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated March 20, 2023)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of November 1, 2023, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2023)


201

-2002 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated February 1, 2002, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(w)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 2010 to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(w)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2002 Series B Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated February 1, 2002, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(x)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(x)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2004 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 2004 and amended and restated as of September 1, 2008, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(z)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(z)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2006 Series B Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 2006 and amended and restated September 1, 2008, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(aa)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(aa)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2007 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated March 1, 2007, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(bb)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(bb)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2008 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated August 1, 2008 by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(cc)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)


263


-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(cc)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2016 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement dated as of August 1, 2016 between Kentucky Utilities Company and the County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(a) to Kentucky Utilities Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-3464) dated August 26, 2016)
-2000 Series A Mercer County Loan Agreement, dated May 1, 2000 and amended and restated as of September 1, 2008, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Mercer, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(dd)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Mercer, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(dd)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2002 Series A Mercer County Loan Agreement, dated February 1, 2002, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Mercer, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ee)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Mercer, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ee)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2002 Series A Muhlenberg County Loan Agreement, dated February 1, 2002, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Muhlenberg, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ff)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)


202

-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Muhlenberg, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ff)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-20072018 Series A Carroll County Loan Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2018, by and between Kentucky Utilities Company and County of Carroll, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2018)
-2023 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement, dated MarchNovember 1, 2007,2023 by and between Kentucky Utilities Company and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(gg)-14(d) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year endeddated December 31, 2010)6, 2023)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Kentucky Utilities Company, and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(gg)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2001 Series A Jefferson County Loan Agreement, dated November 1, 2001, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Jefferson County, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(jj)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Jefferson County, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(jj)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2001 Series B Jefferson County Loan Agreement, dated November 1, 2001, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Jefferson County, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(kk)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Jefferson County, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(kk)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)


264


-2003 Series A Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 2003, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ll)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(ll)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2005 Series A Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Loan Agreement, dated February 1, 2005 and amended and restated as of September 1, 2008, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(mm)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(mm)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2007 Series A Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Loan Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2007 and amended and restated as of September 1, 2008, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(nn)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(nn)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)


203

-2007 Series B Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated November 1, 2010, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(oo) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2001 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement, dated November 1, 2001, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(qq)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and the County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(qq)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2017 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2017, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(a) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-2893) dated June 1, 2017)
-2001 Series B Trimble County Loan Agreement, dated November 1, 2001, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(rr)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-Amendment No. 1 dated September 1, 2010, to said Loan Agreement by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(rr)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2010)
-2016 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 2016 by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and the County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(a) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K (File No. 1-2893) dated September 15, 2016)


265


-Trust Deed,2023 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement dated as of November 26, 2010,1, 2023 by and between Central Networks East plcLouisville Gas and Central Networks West plc, the Issuers,Electric Company and Deutsche Trustee Company Limited relatingCounty of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(a) to Central Networks East plc and Central Network West plc £3 billion Euro Medium Term Note ProgrammePPL Corporation Form 8-K (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2023)
-Description of PPL Corporation's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as revised in February 2023 (Exhibit 4(pp)4(bb) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2015)2022)
-Indenture, dated April 21, 2011, betweenDescription of PPL WEM Holdings PLC,Capital Funding, Inc.'s Junior Subordinated Notes 2007 Series A due 2067, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Exhibit 10.2 toguaranteed by PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 21, 2011)
-Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated April 21, 2011, to said Indenture (Exhibit 10.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 21, 2011)
-Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 30, 2014, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)
-Trust Deed, dated April 27, 2011, by and among Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc and Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, as Issuers, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited as Note Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No.1-11459) dated May 17, 2011)
-Amended and Restated Trust Deed, dated September 10, 2013, by and among Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc as Issuers, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited as Note Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated October 18, 2013)
-£3,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme entered into by Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, dated as of September 9, 2016 (Exhibit 4(oo)-34(rr) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)2019)
-£3,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme entered into by Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, dated asDescription of September 15, 2017PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's common stock, no par value per share (Exhibit 4(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)
-Trust Deed constituting £500 million 3.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2023, dated November 6, 2015, by and among Western Power Distribution plc as Issuer, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited as Note Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 6, 2015)
-2017 Series A Trimble County Loan Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2017, by and between Louisville Gas and Electric Company and the County of Trimble, Kentucky (Exhibit 4(a) to Louisville Gas and Electric Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-2893) dated June 1, 2017)
-Subscription Agreement, dated November 14, 2017, by and among Western Power Distribution(South West) plc as Issuer, HSBC Bank plc, Mizuho International plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (trading as NatWest Markets), Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Lloyds Bank plc, Merrill Lynch International, MUFG Securities EMEA plc and RBC Europe Limited. (Exhibit 4.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 14, 2017).
-$75 million Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2013, among LG&E and KU Energy LLC, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender, PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, Fifth Third Bank, as Syndication Agent, and Central Bank & Trust Company, as Documentation Agent (Exhibit 10(ii)4(tt) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2013)2019)
-Indenture, dated as of March 22, 2010, by The Narragansett Electric Company and The Bank of New York Mellon as Trustee (Exhibit 4(a)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 22, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 22, 2010, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 10, 2012, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)




266204


-$300 million Revolving Credit Agreement,Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2013, amongJuly 27, 2018, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2020, to said Indenture (Exhibit 4(a)-6 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Indenture, dated as of February 24, 2023, by PPL Capital Funding, Inc., as borrower,Issuer, PPL Corporation, as Guarantor, the Lenders party thereof and PNCThe Bank National Association,of New York Mellon, as Administrative Agent, and Manufactures and Traders Trust as Syndication AgentTrustee (Exhibit 10.14.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated November 13, 2013)March 24, 2023)
-$150 million Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2014, among PPL Capital Funding, Inc., as Borrower, PPL Corporation, as Guarantor and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Lender (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 1, 2014)
-First Amendment to said Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2015 (Exhibit 10(c)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459) for the year ended December 31, 2015)
-Second Amendment to said Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2016 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2016)
-Third Amendment to said Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2017, (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2017)
-Employee Matters Agreement, among PPL Corporation, Talen Energy Corporation, C/R Energy Jade, LLC, Sapphire Power Holdings LLC. and Raven Power Holdings LLC, dated as of June 9, 2014 (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Energy Supply, LLC Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-32944) dated June 12, 2014)
-$300 million AmendedConfirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 8, 2018, between the Company and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2014, among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, as the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells FargoJPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline LenderLondon Branch (Exhibit 10(e)10.1 to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q8-K Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)1-11459) dated May 11, 2018)
-
NoticeConfirmation of Automatic Extension,Forward Sale Transaction, dated as of September 29, 2014, to said AmendedMay 8, 2018, between the Company and Restated Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-905) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2016Barclays Bank PLC (Exhibit 10.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 3, 2016)May 11, 2018)
-Commitment ExtensionAdditional Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 10, 2018, between the Company and Increase AgreementJPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (Exhibit 10.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 11, 2018)
-Additional Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated May 8, 2018, between the Company and AmendmentBarclays Bank PLC (Exhibit 10.4 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 2 to said1-11459) dated May 11, 2018)
-$1,250,000,000 Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 1, 2016 (Exhibit 10(e)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2018
-$300 million Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2014,6, 2021 among PPL Capital Funding, Inc., as the Borrower, PPL Corporation, as the Guarantor, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo, Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2021)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2023 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023)
-$650,000,000 Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2021 among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2021)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2023 (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023)
-$500,000,000 Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2021 among Louisville Gas and Electric Company, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2021)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2023 (Exhibit 10(c) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023)


205

-$400,000,000 Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2021 among Kentucky Utilities Company, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10.4 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 6, 2021)
-Amendment No 1. to said Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2023 (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)March 31, 2023)
-Amendment No. 1 to said CreditTransition Services Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2016 (Exhibit 10.1May 25, 2022, by and among National Grid USA Service Company, Inc., National Grid USA (solely with respect to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 3, 2016)


267


-Commitment Extension and Increase Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2016 (Exhibit 10(f)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2018
-$400 million Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2014, among Kentucky Utilities Company, as the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10(f) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2016 (Exhibit 10.4 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 3, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2017 (Exhibit 10(g)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2018
-$500 million Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2014, among Louisville Gas and Electric Company, as the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swingline Lender (Exhibit 10(g) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2016 (Exhibit 10.3 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 3, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2017 (Exhibit 10(h)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459) for the year ended December 31, 2016)
-Commitment Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to said Credit Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2018
-Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated July 29, 2014, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and the banks party thereto, as Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, HSBC Bank plc and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Joint Coordinators, and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Facility Agent, relating to the £245 million Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement originally dated January 12, 2012 (Exhibit 10(h) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014) 
-Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated July 29, 2014, between Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc and the banks party thereto, as Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, HSBC Bank plc and Mizuho Bank Ltd., as Joint Coordinators, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Limited, as Facility Agent, relating to the £300 million Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement originally dated April 4, 2011(Exhibit 10(i) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)


268


-Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated July 29, 2014, between Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc and the banks party thereto, as Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, HSBC Bank plc and Mizuho Bank Ltd., as Joint Coordinators, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Limited, as Facility Agent, relating to the £300 million Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement originally dated April 4, 2011(Exhibit 10(j) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
-$198,309,583.05 Letter of Credit Agreement dated as of October 1, 2014 among Kentucky Utilities Company, as the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party heretoSection 4.6) and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (Exhibit 10.1 to Kentucky UtilitiesNarragansett Electric Company Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-3464) dated October 2, 2014)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2017 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2017)
-£210 million Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated January 13 2016, among Western Power Distribution plc and HSBC Bank PLC and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. as Joint Coordinators and Bookrunners, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. as Facility Agent and the other banks party thereto as Mandated Lead Arrangers (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated January 19, 2016)
-£100,000,000 Term Loan Agreement, dated May 24, 2016, between Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated May 26, 2016)25, 2022)
-£50,000,000 Facility Letter entered into between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Svenska Handelsbanken AB$250,000,000 Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 2016 (Exhibit 10(a) toSeptember 16, 2022 among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) foras Borrower, the quarter ended September 30, 2016)
-£230,000,000 Term Loan Agreement, dated March 28, 2017, between Western Power Distribution plcLenders party thereto and HSBCU.S. Bank PLC and Mizuho Bank, Ltd.,National Association, as Mandated Lead Arrangers, and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as FacilityAdministrative Agent (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 5, 2017)September 19, 2022)
-£20,000,000 Uncommitted Facility Letter entered into between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc, Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc and BNP Paribas, dated as of January 23, 2014 (Exhibit 10(a)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)
-Amendment to said Uncommitted Facility Letter, dated as of July 28, 2017 (Exhibit 10(a)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)
-$200,000,000 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2017, among Louisville Gas and Electric Company, as the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party hereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017)
-Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated June 12, 2000 (Exhibit 10(h) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2000)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 18, 2002 (Exhibit 10(m)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)
-Amendment No. 2 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 4, 2003 (Exhibit 10(q)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)


269


-Amendment No. 3 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10(cc)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2005)
-Amendment No. 4 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of May 1, 2008 (Exhibit 10(x)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2008)
-Amendment No. 5 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated May 28, 2010 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2010)
-Amendment No. 6 to said Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of April 15, 2015 (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2015)
-PPL Corporation Directors Deferred Compensation Plan Trust Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2001, between PPL Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A. (as successor to First Union National Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 10(hh)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2012)
-PPL Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, PPL Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and PPL Supplemental Compensation Pension Plan Trust Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2001, between PPL Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A. (as successor to First Union National Bank), as Trustee (Exhibit 10(hh)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2012)
-PPL Revocable Employee Nonqualified Plans Trust Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2007, between PPL Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Exhibit 10(c) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-1149)1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)


206

-PPL Employee Change in Control Agreements Trust Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2007, between PPL Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-PPL Revocable Director Nonqualified Plans Trust Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2007, between PPL Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Exhibit 10(e) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-Amended and Restated Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 8, 2003 (Exhibit 10(r) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10(ee)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2005)
-Amendment No. 2 to said Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 22, 2007 (Exhibit 10(bb)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Amendment No. 3 to said Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of June 1, 2008 (Exhibit 10(z)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2008)
-Amendment No. 4 to said Officers Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of February 15, 2012 (Exhibit 10(ff)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2011)


270


-Amendment No. 5 to said Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of May 8, 2014 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2014)
-Amendment No. 6 to said Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of December 16, 2015 (Exhibit [_]10(q)-7 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-1459)1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2015)
-Amendment No. 7 to said Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 1, 2019 (Exhibit [_]10(x)-8 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2018)
-Amendment No. 8 to said Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of December 20, 2021 (Exhibit [_]10(n)-9 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 11459) for the year ended December 31, 2021)
-Amendment No. 9 to said Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of December 28, 2022 (Exhibit [_]10(p)-10 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2022)
-Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated December 8, 2003 (Exhibit 10(s) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2003)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated December 16, 2004 (Exhibit 99.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated December 17, 2004)
-Amendment No. 2 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10(ff)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2005)


207

-Amendment No. 3 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of January 22, 2007 (Exhibit 10(cc)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Amendment No. 4 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of December 9, 2008 (Exhibit 10(aa)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2008)
-Amendment No. 5 to said Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of February 15, 2012 (Exhibit 10(gg)-6 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2011)
-Amendment No. 6 to the Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated March 23, 2018 (Exhibit 10(g) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2018)
-Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2003 (Exhibit 10(p) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2002)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10(gg)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2005)
-Amendment No. 2 to said Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of January 26, 2007 (Exhibit 10(dd)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Amendment No. 3 to said Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of March 21, 2007 (Exhibit 10(f) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-Amendment No. 4 to said Incentive Compensation Plan, effective December 1, 2007 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2008)
-Amendment No. 5 to said Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of December 16, 2008 (Exhibit 10(bb)-6 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2008)
-Form of Stock Option Agreement for stock option awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 1, 2006)
-Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for restricted stock unit awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated February 1, 2006)


271


-Form of Performance Unit Agreement for performance unit awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(ss) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2007)
-Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, effective January 1, 2003 (Schedule B to Proxy Statement of PPL Corporation, dated March 17, 2003)
-Amendment No. 1 to said Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, dated as of January 1, 2005 (Exhibit (hh)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2005)
-Amendment No. 2 to said Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, dated as of January 26, 2007 (Exhibit 10(ee)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Amendment No. 3 to said Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, dated as of March 21, 2007 (Exhibit 10(g) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-Amendment No. 4 to said Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, dated as of December 15, 2008 (Exhibit 10(cc)-5 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2008)
-Amendment No. 5 to said Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees, dated as of March 24, 2011October 25, 2018 (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2011)September 30, 2018)
-Short-term Incentive Plan (Annex B to Proxy Statement of PPL Corporation, dated April 12, 2016)
-Employment letter, dated May 31, 2006, between PPL Services Corporation and William H. Spence (Exhibit 10(pp) to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2006)
-Form of Retention Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and Gregory N. Dudkin (Exhibit 10(h) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-Form of Severance Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and William H. Spence (Exhibit 10(i) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-Amendment to said Severance Agreement (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)
-Form of Change in Control Severance Protection Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and Gregory N. Dudkin, Joanne H. Raphael,Joseph P. Bergstein, Jr., David J. Bonenberger, John R. Crockett III, Angela K. Gosman, Christine M. Martin, Stephanie R. Raymond, Vincent Sorgi, Francis X. Sullivan, and Victor A. StaffieriWendy E. Stark
-PPL Corporation Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, effective October 25, 2018 (Exhibit 10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)September 30, 2018)


208

-PPL Corporation Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Annex B to Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 5, 2017)
-Form of Performance Unit Agreement for performance unit awards under the Stock Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(tt)-2 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2012)


272


-Form of Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for restricted stock unit awards under the Stock Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(tt)-3 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2012)
-Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for stock option awards under the Stock Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(tt)-4 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2012)
-Form of Return on Equity Performance Unit Agreement for performance units under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(dd)-6 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2017)
-Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, as approved on January 20, 2023 (Exhibit [_]10(v)-6 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2022)
-Form of Total Shareholder Return Performance Unit Agreement for performance units under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, as approved on January 20, 2023 (Exhibit [_]10(v)-7 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2022)
-Form of Return on EquityEarnings Growth Performance Unit Agreement for performance units under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, as approved on January 20, 2023 (Exhibit [_]10(v)-8 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2022)
-Form of Environmental, Social and Governance Performance Unit Agreement for performance units under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, as approved on January 20, 2023 (Exhibit [_]10(v)-9 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2022)
-PPL Corporation Executive Severance Plan, effective as of July 26, 2012 (Exhibit 10(d) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2012)
-Form of Western Power Distribution Phantom Stock Option Award Agreement for stock option awards under the Western Power Distribution Long-Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit [_]10(bbb)-1 to PPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2014)
-Service Agreement (including Change in Control Agreement as Exhibit A), dated March 16, 2015, between Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Robert A. Symons (Exhibit 10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2015)
-Form of Grant Letter dated May 29, 2015 (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated June 1, 2015)
-Transition and Retirement Agreement dated August 12, 2021, by and among Paul W. Thompson, LG&E and KU Services Company, and PPL Corporation (Exhibit [_]10(a) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended September 30, 2021)
-Offer Letter dated March 6, 2021, between PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of EarningsWendy E. Stark (Exhibit [_]10(gg) to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock DividendsPPL Corporation Form 10-K Report (File No. 1-11459) for the year ended December 31, 2021)
-Rhode Island Energy Retirement Plan, effective January 14, 2022 (Exhibit [_]10(b) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Rhode Island Energy Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, effective February 24, 2022 (Exhibit [_]10(c) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022)
-Separation Agreement between Stephanie R. Raymond, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock DividendsPPL Corporation dated October 9, 2023


209

-LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-Louisville Gas and Electric Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-Kentucky Utilities Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-Subsidiaries of PPL Corporation
-Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP - PPL Corporation
-
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation


-
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP - LG&E and KU Energy LLC



273


-
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP - Louisville Gas and Electric Company


-Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP - Kentucky Utilities Company
-Consent of Ernst & Young LLP - PPL Corporation
-
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation

-
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP - LG&E and KU Energy LLC

-
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP - Louisville Gas and Electric Company

-Consent of Ernst & Young LLP - Kentucky Utilities Company
-Power of Attorney
-Certificate of PPL's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of PPL's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of PPL Electric's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of PPL Electric's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LKE's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LKE's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LG&E's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LG&E's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of KU's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


274


-Certificate of KU's principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of PPL's principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of PPL Electric's principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LKE's principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-Certificate of LG&E's principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


210

-Certificate of KU's principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
-PPL Corporation Compensation Recoupment Policy, effective October 2, 2023
-PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries Long-term Debt Schedule
101.INS-XBRL Instance Document for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema for PPL Corporation, PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.CAL-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.DEF-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.LAB-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.PRE-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Corporation, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
104The Cover Page Interactive Data File is formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101.











275
211



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
PPL Corporation
(Registrant) 
By /s/ Vincent Sorgi
Vincent Sorgi -
By /s/ William H. Spence
William H. Spence -
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ William H. SpenceVincent Sorgi
William H. SpenceVincent Sorgi -
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Vincent SorgiJoseph P. Bergstein, Jr.
Vincent SorgiJoseph P. Bergstein, Jr. -
SeniorExecutive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Stephen K. BreiningerMarlene C. Beers
Stephen K. BreiningerMarlene C. Beers -
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors:
Rodney C. AdkinsArthur P. BeattieWilliam H. Spence
John W. ConwayNatica von Althann
Steven G. ElliottVenkata Rajamannar MadabhushiKeith H. Williamson
Venkata Rajamannar MadabhushiHeather B. RedmanPhoebe A. Wood
Craig A. RogersonArmando Zagalo de Lima
Linda G. Sullivan
 
 
/s/ William H. SpenceVincent Sorgi
William H. Spence,Vincent Sorgi, Attorney-in-factDate:  February 22, 201816, 2024





276
212


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
(Registrant) 
By /s/ Christine M. Martin
Christine M. Martin -
By /s/ Gregory N. DudkinPresident
Gregory N. Dudkin -
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Gregory N. DudkinBy /s/ Christine M. Martin
Gregory N. DudkinChristine M. Martin -
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Marlene C. Beers
Marlene C. Beers -
Vice President and Controller

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors:
/s/ Gregory N. DudkinJoseph P. Bergstein, Jr./s/ Wendy E. Stark
Joseph P. Bergstein, Jr.Wendy E. Stark
/s/ Angela K. Gosman/s/ Francis X. Sullivan
Angela K. GosmanFrancis X. Sullivan
/s/ Vincent Sorgi
Gregory N. DudkinVincent Sorgi
/s/ Joanne H. Raphael/s/ William H. Spence
Joanne H. RaphaelWilliam H. Spence
Date: February 22, 201816, 2024





277
213



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
(Registrant)
By /s/ Victor A. Staffieri
Victor A. Staffieri -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Victor A. Staffieri
Victor A. Staffieri -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Kent W. Blake
Kent W. Blake -
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors:
/s/ Kent W. Blake/s/ Victor A. Staffieri
Kent W. BlakeVictor A. Staffieri
/s/ Vincent Sorgi
/s/ Paul W. Thompson
Vincent SorgiPaul W. Thompson
/s/ William H. Spence
William H. Spence
Date:  February 22, 2018



278




SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Registrant)
 
By /s/ John R. Crockett III
John R. Crockett III -
By /s/ Victor A. StaffieriPresident
Victor A. Staffieri -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Victor A. StaffieriJohn R. Crockett III
Victor A. StaffieriJohn R. Crockett III -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher M. Garrett
/s/ Kent W. BlakeChristopher M. Garrett -
Kent W. Blake -
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President-Finance and Accounting
(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors:
/s/ Kent W. BlakeJoseph P. Bergstein, Jr./s/ Victor A. Staffieri
Kent W. BlakeVictor A. Staffieri
/s/ Vincent Sorgi
/s/ Paul W. Thompson
Joseph P. Bergstein, Jr.Vincent SorgiPaul W. Thompson
/s/ John R. Crockett III/s/ Wendy E. Stark
/s/ William H. SpenceJohn R. Crockett IIIWendy E. Stark
William H. Spence/s/ Angela K. Gosman/s/ Francis X. Sullivan
Angela K. GosmanFrancis X. Sullivan
Date:  February 22, 201816, 2024





279
214




SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Registrant)
 
By /s/ John R. Crockett III
John R. Crockett III -
By /s/ Victor A. StaffieriPresident
Victor A. Staffieri -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Victor A. StaffieriJohn R. Crockett III
Victor A. StaffieriJohn R. Crockett III -
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher M. Garrett
/s/ Kent W. BlakeChristopher M. Garrett -
Kent W. Blake -
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President-Finance and Accounting
(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors:
/s/ Kent W. BlakeJoseph P. Bergstein, Jr./s/ Victor A. Staffieri
Kent W. BlakeVictor A. Staffieri
/s/ Vincent Sorgi
/s/ Paul W. Thompson
Joseph P. Bergstein, Jr.Vincent SorgiPaul W. Thompson
/s/ John R. Crockett III/s/ Wendy E. Stark
/s/ William H. SpenceJohn R. Crockett IIIWendy E. Stark
William H. Spence/s/ Angela K. Gosman/s/ Francis X. Sullivan
Angela K. GosmanFrancis X. Sullivan
Date:  February 22, 201816, 2024





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215